Musetti Mercedes-Benz. Sixty years ago a myth was born

It was 1959, March 5 Mercedes-Benz submitted first short nose truck L 322followed by L327 and L 337. Even today, on the roads of South America, Africa or Asia, it is not difficult to find Front noseperhaps transformed, perhaps dilapidated, perhaps unrecognizable, but still, relentlessly, into a hole.

Short muzzle or advanced cockpit?

In the late 50s in Germany, Minister Seebom introduced very strict rules for road transport in order to stimulate transport by rail. Truck size and weight restrictions which prompted manufacturers to explore new solutions to increase the safety margin.

Then two engineering projects were implemented: the project “improved cab“And what of”short muzzle", But at first the last one caused the greatest satisfaction among the riders.

Nose success: safety, comfort and functionality

First of all, behind the engine hood, many drivers could hear each other. more safe"... The interior design paid off too more comfortable access and more space inside to allow a third seat. In addition, the noise was significantly lower than in a modern cockpit.

Models with a "short nose"

Another reason for the success was that they were available as lift up and send to the addressee version of the dump truck and tractor, FROM four-wheel drive and, only for the heavy duty version, also with three axes.

The "short nose" Mercedes-Benz, soon dubbed "Musetti" by insiders, debuted in three weight classes. L 'L322 It had a 10,5 ton MTT and was designed for short distance distribution and light industry. L327 it reached 12 tons, the maximum allowed by Minister Sibom's restrictions. L337 it was designed for long distance transportation and heavy construction work.

In engine OM 321 and OM 326

Another advantage of the nosepieces: the engine was more affordable and more convenient routine maintenance (it will take several more years before the engine is completely free, as in modern tipper cabins).

Model 337 was equipped with a 6-cylinder prechamber. OM 326 10,8 liters, 200 hp, while the 327 and 322 were equipped withOM 321 5,6 liters, developing 110 horsepower.

L322: he is the best seller

The best-selling in its segment was medium L322... In terms of weight, the L322 was truly unsurpassed: with a dead weight of 3.700 kg and a loading weight of 6.750, it reached load ratio 1: 1,8 the best in Germany at the time. Over time, mechanical development presented 5-speed synchro gearbox, 334 it was introduced in 1960 and became the standard combination in Germany for long distance transport.

Numbers game

1963 was marked by a revolution in Daimler-Benz model designation... An obscure model series code known as the "Baumuster" has given way to a more practical sequence of numbers indicating engine weight and power.

L322 became like this L1113 from which you can immediately recognize "11 tons" with a capacity of 130 horsepower. L334 became L1620.