The new range of Mercedes 'short nosed' conventional trucks were revealed in 1959. Initially there were three models - the medium-duty L 322 and L 327, and the heavy-duty L 337. All of which were available with either the aforementioned short nosed design with the "L" designation, or the relatively new forward control "LP" cab. The advantages of the short nose models over the classic long-bonnets are described more in-depth in the L 337 / LP 337 page. Aside from the obvious payload and weight ratings, the biggest differentiation between the heavy and medium-duty series was the bonnet's length. The medium-duty models did not require extra space to accommodate a larger engine, unlike the heavy-duty models who were expected to pull more weight.
The L 327 conventional and LP 327 forward control vehicles were originally intended as export models when unveiled in 1959, however not long after, sales began in the home market of Germany. Like the 322 models, the 327-series was powered by the 5.1 litre six-cylinder OM 321 engine which produced 110 hp at 3000 rpm. Upon special request, the factory would fit the OM 322 engine which developed an output of 126 hp at 2800 rpm. A 5-speed manual gearbox was installed throughout the range.
The vehicle was available as either a standard flatbed or an LK 327 tipper, and from 1962 an LB 327 concrete mixer became available. The flatbed could be specified with a 4.2 or 4.8 metre wheelbase, and the tipper's wheelbase was available at 3.6 or 4.2 metres. All models had a maximum gross weight of 14 tonnes, however from 1959-1961 a 7.5 tonne GVW variant was produced, although not much is known on this model's specifications.
In 1963, in keeping with Mercedes new nomenclature system, the L 327 series was renamed to the L 1413, which indicated the 14 tonne GVW and the approximate horsepower figure divided by ten.
[INCOMPLETE]