Terminate traffic: Ex-Arnold Schwarzenegger Mercedes-Benz Unimog for sale

Very few celebrities carry the cache and charisma of ex-California Governor, Mr Universe, and the Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In the same way, very few vehicles carry the cache and charisma of the ultimate go-anywhere truck, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog. Combine the two, and you’ve got a truly unstoppable set of… Twins.

The 1977 Unimog U1300 pickup was given a thorough restoration and modernisation in 2012 by marque specialists in Germany, and was previously listed for sale in 2014 and 2016.

Powered by a 240kW, 6.4-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, and fitted with a manual transmission, the U1300 features 22.5-inch wheels on massive Michelin XZL 445/65-profile tyres – translating to a diameter of 1.15 metres.

There’s a hydraulic tilt cab, powered winch, sports bars and spot lamps, but only a modest 2674 miles (4300km) on the odometer.

There’s even a Blaupunkt sound system.

While this truck has been modified, Mercedes-Benz offered a limited-production ‘Funmog’ in 1994. Based on the 408-series short-bed pickup, the Funmog included leather seats, interior carpet, sports bars and even air horns. Only 12 were made.

German tuning company Brabus even created a customised U500 Unimog for the Middle Eastern market.

Schwarzenegger has signed the dashboard, and according to the listing on the Barrett Jackson auction website, the Unimog sale includes a full documentation file on the vehicle's history.

When advertised in 2016, the Schwarzenegger Unimog was listed for over $US350,000 ($AU533,000), but the current auction has no indicative price, and the car is listed with no reserve.

The Unimog was introduced by German industrial manufacturer Boehringer in 1948, with Mercedes-Benz taking over production and development of the vehicle in 1951.

Over myriad generations and variants, the Unimog has always offered four-wheel-drive with portal axles, power-take-off options and a customisable body for commercial, civilian and military use.

Unimog is an acronym of Universal-Motor-Gerät – which translates to Universal Motor Device – a nod to the truck’s flexible capability.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mercedes-Benz Unimog U1300 SE is due to be auctioned by Barrett Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona on 20-28 January 2024.

To make sure you don’t get a Raw Deal, you can view the listing here.