Mercedes-Benz NG service trucks in Dakar Rally: A timeless classic | Nostalgia
Two Mercedes-Benz NG 2636 6×6 from the 1980s served as “Fast-Assistant” service trucks to the Völkel team at this year’s Dakar Rally held in Saudi Arabia last month.
The Mercedes-Benz NG (New Generation) trucks hold a special place in the hearts of truck enthusiasts. Produced from 1973 to 1988, the legendary truck series was known for its robustness and reliability in Europe. Today, its legacy lives on in the form of collectors and enthusiasts treasure and as expedition vehicles. Case in point is the recently concluded Dakar Rally.
The Völkel rally team at the 2025 edition of the off-road endurance rally event employed two of these cult classis trucks as its “rolling workshops”. These 1980s Mercedes-Benz NG 2636 6×6 trucks took care of the rally team with essential supplies, tools and replacement parts. They were rallied in 1983 Dakar Rally, and were later handed over to the Mitsubishi Dakar Team in 1986 and 1987.
The service trucks are boast a powerful 18.5-litre V10 turbo diesel engine, generating a max power of 360 hp. With a robust 6×6 all-wheel drive system, they are specifically designed for what can be called as the world’s toughest rally. The trucks can hit a max speed of 128 kmph, with guaranteed 80 kmph on sand!
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Actually speaking, the durability and reliability of the NG series made in popular among long-haul transporters in Europe. Punchy engine performance, sturdy built, and comfortable cabin made these Mercedes trucks popular in the 1980s and 90s. They were built to last.
More importantly, the cab design and road stance of the Mercedes-Benz NG attained ‘classic’ status. A symbol of the bygone trucking era, the design continues to evoke a sense of sport and toughness even today. For instance, the forward-tilting cab, the hallmark of the NG series, wasn’t just about easy engine access. It also contributed to the truck’s overall aesthetic, giving it a more modern and dynamic appearance.
What else can explain the popularity of the Tata Signa range of trucks in India even today? In fact, the Signa’s cab frame and design was derived from the Mercedes-Benz NG. Tata Motors has also modernized the cab extensively all these years. Nevertheless, the latest Signa facelift cab still embodies the nostalgic charm of the NG series, apparent in its side profiles.
In China too, the legacy of the NG’s design continues to find form till date in the truck cab produced by BeiBen Trucks. In late 1980s, the company began by assembling Mercedes-Benz NG trucks. Over the years, the brand improvised the original NG cab with localized parts and modern styling cues.
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The Mercedes-Benz NG trucks may be old in terms of age, but they are far from obsolete. These trucks are still used in some parts of the world, and are a popular choice for expedition vehicles even today. They are a testament to the engineering prowess of German brand.
