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How to become an instant celebrity without really trying

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How to make everyone stop and Steyr at you

I really want to write about this vehicle -- and since Epinions may never add it, this seems the most logical place....

I recently bought a 1973 Austrain-made Steyr-Daimler-Puch Pinzguaer, and this machine is a technological miracle, and a work of art. The vehicle is virtually unchanged from those produced today...the major differences are the substituting a water cooled diesel engine for the air-cooled low octane engine, and widening the vehicle slightly to make it less tip-able, ala the Hummer. Other than that, the vehicles that are being produced for the UK military, for NATO, and for many of the world's militaries are identical -- and beat the Hummer in maneuverability and reliability tests. And they should, a new one is rumored to cost about $130,000, but a 25-30 year old 710-M can be found for $10k, often with less than 50,000 original kilometers. Most of these vehicles have been reconditioned by the Swiss military before being sold to the public.

The Pinz is an extreme off-road vehicle, and I bought it for that purpose, to use on the beach and off road. Many of the technologies on my 30 year old Pinz are not available elsewhere. The vehicle is only 4,500 lbs yet has a payload of almost 3,000 lbs and is rated to pull up to 11,000 lbs on its built-in hitch (though recommended tow load is 8,000 lbs). It accomplished this with a 4-cylinder engine and gets 13 miles per gallon with a full tow-load. I got about 16-17 miles per hour towing a Jeep Wrangler and averaging about 55-60 mph. Thought he max speed is about 70 mph, the vehicle is not sluggish at all. It's huge bore engine delivers amazing power and torque. The vehicle comes in a true 5-speed transmission (not overdrive) plus reverse. All speeds are available in 2 or 4 wheel drive, with either High or Low gearing. Not only can the 4 wheel drive be shifted on the fly, but the front and the rear differentials can also be locked by hydraulics -- on the fly. By locking both differentials, the vehicle will move if one single tire has traction. Clearance is at least 14 inches, and it can ford almost 3 feet of water without a kit. The air-cooled engine is watertight.

The vehicle features independent spring suspension, and is capable of rock climbing, mud & stream crossing, and driving through sand. The vehicle is engineered to climb a 45 degree slope, and is made to run on up to a 44 degree sideways tilt.

It is a forward control vehicle, so the driver sits right up against the front of the vehicle. The engine is located inside the cab -- between and under the seats, so it can be noisy at high speed. Insulation is available & many deluxe models are carpeted in a manner to limit noise.

The 710M seats up to 12, including 10 passengers in back -- though more than 8 in back is not too comfortable. The 4 bench seats (two on each side) face inwards, and fold downwards so that the rear of the vehicle can be used to haul a payload when not hauling passengers. (This also comes in handy when trying to catch some Z's roadside -- or beachside.)

The 710M is convertible. The rear canvas can be easily rolled up, to leave the top only on, or it can be removed. The canvas over the cab is also removable. The strap system makes it a cinch to quickly reconfigure the vehicle.

In between the cab and the rear of the vehicle are a removable "cage" type frame with window, and removable canvas with window.

My vehicle has a blue overhead light, which, when tilted downward will light up the entire rear of the vehicle. The headlights have 3 different masked settings -- used in military applications for low visibility. The fans are high power, and the heater is built to withstand the mountains of Switzerland. An optional heater is available for the rear section as well.

Steyr's technology in the Pinz is unmatched. They developed the Mercedes G-Wagen, and are responsible for much of the technology in the new breed of light US Army trucks being manufactured by Stewart & Stevenson in Houston.
Hummer says they are "like nothing else", but the world's military vehicles (including the new US Army trucks) are either taking their technology from the Pinzgauers, or they are using Pinzgauers -- so I guess in the world of military vehicles, Pinz's may soon be "like everything else". If you want the ultimate off-roader, you will want one too.

You can not go anywhere without someone asking you about the vehicle. Kids and grownups alike stop, and stare, and point. I've learned not to drive it when I am in a hurry, not because it only goes 70 mph, but because I know I will be answering questions for 10-15 minutes each time I get out of the vehicle.

Amount Paid (US$): 10000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1973
Model and Options: Note -- Excellent craftmanship -- NOT QUIET