A Unimog U1300 produced in 1977 that belonged to Arnold Schwarzenegger is selling at the Barrett-Jackson auction on January 20-28, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Photo: Barrett-Jackson
American actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger is known to have a passion for powerful off-roaders with extreme off-road capabilities, owning numerous Mercedes G-Class and Hummer models. It is less known that Arnold Schwarzenegger also owned a 1977 Unimog U1300. Schwarzenegger restored it in 2012 at German specialist Merex Mertec in Gaggenau, Germany, where he adapted it to his requirements. But after only two years, Schwarzenegger sold the silver off-roader.
In 2016, the ownership changed again, and now it’s back for sale at a Barrett-Jackson auction, which will take place on January 20-28 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Barrrett-Jackson Auction House announces that the car is sold with a full file folder with pictures, documentation, and certification. Also, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s signature appears on the center console.
Luxurious like a premium SUV
Unlike other Unimog models, the example that Schwarzenegger owned is very luxurious, having black leather upholstery, a Blaupunkt audio system, and a reversing camera. The model is painted silver and is in perfect condition.
On the outside, you can see the prominent bull bar, the winch under the front bumper, and the additional Hella headlights. The flatbed is stiffened with a solid black roll bar and has a bench seat for thrill seekers. The car runs on inch wheels with 445/65 tires and has air suspension on all wheels.
Special engine for Schwarzenegger
Under the hood is a 6.4-liter inline 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission that develops 320 PS.
Apparently, Schwarzenegger’s car was modified in the 2012 restoration because the original U1300 (Unimog 425) had a 5.675-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that developed only 125 PS. The engine was mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox that additionally featured a 2-speed planetary gearbox, resulting in 8 gears in total.
There was also a long Unimog 435 version (U1300L) which had a longer wheelbase of 3,850 mm compared to 3,250 mm.
According to the Barrett-Jackson auction house, Schwarzenegger’s Unimog has only 2700 miles on board (equivalent to 4300 km).
