In 1928, the development of special-purpose army vehicles began in Germany, which led to the emergence of experimental 1.5-ton Mercedes-Benz G3 vehicles with a 6 × 4 wheel arrangement, after which a year later its modernized version called G3a (internal factory index WG091I) was released. The production of the car lasted until 1935, and their total circulation was 2005 units.
For the Mercedes-Benz G3a family of cars, for the first time, a wide range of all kinds of superstructures was offered, including cargo-passenger bodies for transporting people, command "passenger versions" and with a double cab, special vans for workshops, radio stations, camp kitchens and hospitals.
Depending on the modification, the length of the "German" was 5750-6000 mm, width - 2100-2220 mm, height - 2350-2700 mm with a wheelbase of 3000 (+950) mm. The purpose of the car influenced its gross weight, which ranged from 4800 to 5050 kg.
Specifications. The Mercedes-Benz G3a was powered by a naturally aspirated gasoline engine with six in-line cylinders, two carburettors and liquid-cooled 3.7 liters (3700 cubic centimeters), which produced 68 horsepower at 2900 rpm.
Together with the engine, a 4-speed manual transmission and a single-plate clutch functioned, directing the entire supply of traction to the two rear driving axles.
Thanks to these characteristics, the car was able to reach a maximum speed of 65 km / h, and for every "hundred" of the way it consumed at least 35 liters of fuel (off-road - about 45 liters).
A three-axle German car with a 6 × 4 wheel arrangement was equipped with a fully dependent suspension on longitudinal springs. Drum-type brakes were installed on all wheels, and the pads were pressed mechanically by means of cables and levers.
The Mercedes-Benz G3a used off-road tires measuring 6.00 × 20 inches.
Only a few copies of the G3a have survived to this day, which are in museums or at private collectors (by the way, there is a similar "apparatus" in Russia).
