In 1959 Mercedes presented three new truck models with a 'short nosed' design - the heavy-duty L 337, as well as the medium-duty L 322 and L 327. The new design was a compromise between the relatively new flat-faced forward control trucks, and the traditional long-bonneted trucks. It was effectively the best of both worlds as the engine did not protrude into the cab so invasively and produce an exceptionally loud noise like the forward control models, but as the cab was set forward much more so than the conventional long nosed equivalent, load space was still maximised. The latter was especially important at the time of launch due to the then recently imposed highly restrictive regulations by the German government. Another benefit was the ease of maintenance, as mechanical parts were much more accessible that on the forward control models (tilting cabs were yet to be invented). The short nosed models enjoyed incredible popularity, so much so that production (of the heavy-duty variants) lasted until 1994, some 35 years after the original L 337, L 322 and L 327 models were unveiled in 1959.

Aside from payload capacity and total gross weight, the main noticeable difference between the medium and heavy-duty trucks was the bonnet's length. The latter had a longer bonnet so as to accommodate the larger and more powerful engines required to efficiently pull a heavier weight.

As well as tipper and tractor versions, the 337-series was also available as the LP 337 forward control variant, which was available with a day or sleeper cab. The models were powered by a 10.8 litre OM 326 six-cylinder diesel engine which produced 172 hp. This was connected to the rear axle by a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Photo of an LP 337 taken from a 1959 brochure

Across the range there were many wheelbases available. The standard L 337 had the option of either 4.4 or 5 metres, the LS tractor was 3.2 metres, and the LK tipper was either 3.2, 3.7 or 4.2 metres. When it came to forward control models, the LP 337 was available with either 3.7, 4.2 or 5 metre wheelbases, and the LPS tractor was either 3.2 or 3.7 depending on whether a sleeper cab was specified or not. The payload capacity slightly differed for each wheelbase/model type, and ranged from 6.6 through to 7.9 tonnes.

Little information is available online about 337-series production numbers and it is unclear when manufacturing of this particular short nosed/forward control model ended, although it is possible it was replaced by the 338 series after one year of production in 1960.

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