In October 1950 came the first new heavy-duty Mercedes truck after the second world war. The L 6600, with a payload capacity of 6.6 tonnes. It was driven by a new engine, the 8.3 litre OM 315 diesel six-cylinder which produced a power output of 145 horsepower. The designers were so confident in the new engine's durability that they believed an OM 315 could manage over 200,000 kilometres without the need for any repairs. New technologies such as rubber engine mounts were employed to minimise vibrations and roughness from the large diesel, which was an impressive achievement for an engine of this size.

The L 6600 used a ZF AK 6-55 six-speed manual transmission, and there were two wheelbase lengths available, as well as all-wheel drive and tipper variants. In 1953 a version named the LG 6600 was developed as a 5-tonne truck for military use with raised suspension and off-road capability. This was renamed to the LG 315 in 1954 when Mercedes updated their commercial vehicle naming system, which also changed the standard L 6600 to the L 315. Along with the new name, the payload was increased from 6.6 to 7.2 tonnes. All-wheel drive variants, tippers and articulated tractors were available.

In 1954 production of the first Mercedes forward-control truck with the cab mounted over the engine began, although it was only sold in export markets. It was a year later when the new model, the LP 315, entered the German market. The LP 315 was effectively an L 315 with a forward-control cabin setup rather than the conventional bonneted truck. Details of the LP-series can be found here.

The L 6600 / 315 achieved huge popularity among customers and drivers and sold in great numbers. Production lasted until 1957, when it was replaced by the 326 and 329 series. Mercedes continued to manufacture the LG 315 military version until 1964 however.

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