The first short-bonnet truck model, the
Mercedes-Benz L 337, was first produced in Germany in 1959. Its technical successors were in production for export until 1995, long after domestic German sales had ended. These were designated
L 337 and L 332 B (L 334 B from 1960), with or total weights and diesel six-cylinders. In 1962 the more powerful 19-tonne L 334 C was added, mainly intended for export. The multiple model designations were letter combinations reflecting the vehicle's intended use, until a new system (still in use today) was introduced in the summer of 1963 to include overall weight and engine power. Just as the
Dodge Power Wagon became synonymous with
oil exploration throughout Arabia in the 1950s, the short-bonnet trucks, together with the
Kenworth 953, became synonymous with the Arabian exploration boom throughout the 1960s. Many roads throughout Arabia were not surfaced until the early 1980s and there were no weight or length limitations on road haulage. This meant that the trucks carried heavier loads than those for which they were designed - in some instances three times the maximum designated loaded weight. In carrying these loads, the short-bonnet trucks gained a reputation for toughness and reliability. Nearly all short-bonnet trucks shipped to Arabia were orange in colour, while all short-bonnet trucks shipped to North Africa were green in colour.
Kurzhauber of Brazilian origins were also assembled and sold in North America until 1991, when they were replaced by the new Class 6 and Class 7 trucks from Freightliner (
FL60/FL70). This was the last Mercedes-Benz truck to be sold in North America until the
Sprinter in 2001, although the Mercedes-Benz badge persisted on Freightliner engines of Mercedes-Benz origin. ==Continuation==