The three-axle Mercedes-Benz W31 type 4 is an 8 cylinder car from 1934. It weighed over 3500 kilograms and was an off road vehicle with a top speed of 67 km/h. Developed specially for military purposes as command or staff car, but it was too expensive, therefore it was only used by Adolf Hitler and other staff members.
Four of the 72 vehicles, according to the museum, 57 vehicles according to another source, survive today like the one on the photo’s we saw in the Sinsheim Technik museum in Germany. It was used during the occupation of Austria and in Eastern Europe. It seems to have been used as a fire engine after the war but was restored to its original condition.
Mercedes-Benz W 31 Type G4
The Mercedes-Benz W31 Type G4 was a luxury off-road vehicle produced by Mercedes-Benz in the 1930s. This vehicle gained notoriety for its use by high-ranking German military officials and leaders, including Adolf Hitler, and was often seen in official parades and military functions during World War II. The G4 was built to meet the needs of a robust, all-terrain vehicle capable of carrying passengers in comfort while still offering off-road capability.
The W31 G4 was powered by a 5.8-liter straight-8 engine, which produced around 100 horsepower, allowing the vehicle to reach a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). It featured a 4-wheel drive (4×4) system, giving it excellent off-road performance, particularly in rough or uneven terrain, which was essential for military or official use in challenging environments.
The vehicle was highly distinctive, with a 7- to 8-passenger body and large, spoked wheels. Its elevated ground clearance and large tires were designed for superior traction over difficult landscapes. The G4 was equipped with advanced suspension and powerful braking systems for better handling.
Fine car. Ironic twist that other car makers, including American and British, didn’t design their own version of the W-31 G4, updated it and sold it on the civilian car market. Today, the six-wheeled vehicle is used on utility trucks, mail delivery trucks and armored vehicle guard trucks, among others. Perhaps the sedan’s association with Nazi Germany made it an anathema to the automobile industry in other countries.