A further development of the LP forward control series was presented in 1958 as the 3-axle LP 333. The new model's introduction coincided with the German "Seebohm" regulations which significantly restricted weight and length measurements. The LP 333 was designed to maximise payload capability under these new laws, and utilised the cab over engine design which until the mid-1950s Mercedes had been sceptical of. The new model led to a sudden increase in popularity of forward control trucks in Germany after the restrictive regulations were introduced.

A restored LP 333 example
The LP 333 was an unusual setup in that it had a single rear drive axle, and two forward steering axles. This configuration was commonly known as a "Chinese six" and it was quite popular in the UK at the time but unique in Germany. It led to impressive manoeuvrability, and became nicknamed "the millipede". Due to the smooth way the two axle setup handled rough road surfaces, the LP 333 was a very comfortable and easy vehicle to drive, especially thanks to its single-plate dry clutch which made for light and easy pedal operation.


The maximum gross combination weight under the new regulations was decreased from 40 to 24 tonnes, and the LP 333 offered a payload capacity of 9.1 tonnes. The reason the Mercedes designers had chosen this axle layout was because an exception in the law meant that a three axle truck was permitted to pull a 16-tonne heavy-duty trailer. The engineers chose to place an extra axle at the front of the vehicle instead of the rear due to technical issues caused by the new length restrictions. This meant that coupled to a 16-tonne trailer the LP 333 offered a payload of 20 tonnes and a maximum combination weight of 32 tonnes, and thanks to a loophole in the restrictions this was deemed legal.

LPS 333 articulated tractor-trailer
Power came from the 10.8 litre six-cylinder OM 326 diesel engine which produced 200 hp at 2,200 rpm. An engine brake was installed as standard to the LP 333, which decelerated the vehicle when travelling downhill. Also available was an LPS 333 tractor unit, although unfortunately there is only one road-worthy articulated example left in existence. The Millipede was manufactured between 1958 and 1961, in which time 1,833 units were built.