Meet the 66-Year-Old Brand-New Truck

Now here’s a tale that’ll rev your engine!

Picture this: a truck that looks like it just pulled straight out of a 1950s postcard — with that stubby little bonnet, old-school grille, and classic lines. You’d swear it’s a restored relic from back in the day. But nope, this beast is brand-new, still rolling off production lines in 2025. Meet the Mercedes-Benz Kurzhauber, but around here, we just call it the Bullnose.

Why “Bullnose”?

It’s not just a catchy nickname, bru — it’s earned. That short, round bonnet juts out just like a bull’s snout. In trucking slang, anything with that snub-nose front gets called a bullnose, and this Merc wears the name proudly. The design wasn’t just for looks either — it allowed engineers to tuck the motor partially under the cab, keeping the whole rig shorter but still packing a punch.

Born in Germany, Raised in the World

The Bullnose first hit the road in 1959, crafted tough to meet strict German laws on truck length. But the thing is, the Bullnose didn’t just stay in Europe. It quickly became a favourite in rough-and-tough regions like Africa, South America, and the Middle East — places where breakdowns in the bush aren’t an option.

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Germany called it quits on production in 1977, but Brazil and Argentina kept the fire burning into the 1990s. Then, Iran took over. Since 1979, the Iran Khodro Diesel Company has been producing these classics — and even today, you can still walk into a showroom there and order one fresh off the line.

Old-School Looks, New-School Guts

Don’t be fooled by that vintage shape — the modern Bullnose Merc is hiding some serious modern muscle under the hood. Buyers can spec it with the OM 355 LA — an 11.6L inline-six turbodiesel — or even the Cummins ISF 3.8L, offering cleaner emissions and improved efficiency.

But it keeps all the throwback charm — that unmistakable round bonnet, burnt orange paint, and that proud three-pointed star on the grille.

It reminds me of Tanzanian drivers who were deported from Qatar after failing to operate modern Volvo trucks, I bet none of them would fail to operate this legendary Mercedes-Benz bullnose truck.

A Legend Lives On — Even in Mzansi

Here in South Africa, you’ll still find the older Bullnose models grinding away on farms, especially in the Western Cape, Limpopo, and the Free State. Farmers love ’em because they’re tough as nails, easy to fix, and just don’t give up. No ECUs, no diagnostics — just diesel, gears, and go.

In KZN, you still see them hauling containers, but they have been more restricted to local haulage.

Still Charging Forward

Whether it’s hauling grain in the Karoo or roaring down a dusty track somewhere in Mpumalanga, the Bullnose is a living legend — the oldest brand-new truck still in production.

So next time you see one, give a little salute. You’re looking at a true icon. A truck that refuses to be left behind. Source