Honeymoon Around the World in a Unimog

Since April 2013, a Mercedes-Benz Unimog 1300 L has been a new home on wheels for Jennifer and Peter Glas

Since April 2013, a Mercedes-Benz Unimog 1300 L has been a new home on wheels for Jennifer (36) and Peter Glas (41). The reason for their journey, it’s their honeymoon. Their “mobile home”, which they’ve name the “Glaarkshouse”, a combination of the two adventurers’ surnames, Glas and Parks – Jennifer’s maiden name, is a 1986 Unimog (model series 435).

Before starting out on their journey, they were in agreement that “If a vehicle is to take us to the roof of the world, it has to be a Unimog” and so the two decided on the 1986 Unimog U 1300 L. With a full tank of 142 gallons of diesel and 47 gallons of fresh water on board, the Unimog weighs around seven tons. Even at such an incredible weight, thanks to differential locks and portal axles, the Unimog remains safe and astoundingly light-footed. The Unimog’s incomparable reliability, the size of the tanks, the solar power supply and a small sanitary area make the “Glaarkshouse” a genuine round-the-world trip mobile home which also lends itself to self-sufficient trips over several days in rough terrain far away from any form of infrastructure.

The grand trip began in April 2013, leading through south-eastern Europe and the frequently rough terrain of the Anatolian highlands: no trail was too rocky, no river too deep and no track to steep. After this initial minor test in Turkey, the journey continued on into Iran. The sand dunes in the Dasht-e-Kavier desert posed a somewhat greater challenge. But much more impressive than the ease with which the 435-series Unimog cruised through sand and rock were the shining eyes of the Iranians at the strange sight of the Unimog. There were countless occasions on which Mercedes-Benz fans took the opportunity to scrutinise the vehicle from below and take a peak into the engine compartment.

After spending a number of unforgettable weeks in Persia, Jennifer and Peter Glas finally had a chance to really put their four-wheeled travelling companion through its paces in Oman. Here again, no dune was too steep, no desert too vast and no beach too far. The desert-savvy Omanis were also delighted to encounter the Unimog – which even pulled a number of stranded SUVs out of the sand.

The globetrotters are currently in India, where the Unimog’s seat height is proving particularly advantageous in offering good visibility in the bustling traffic on India’s roads.

The couple will soon be moving on to Nepal, Tibet, China and Mongolia. No end is in sight as yet on their thrilling adventure. Their exciting stories from along the way, photographs and details of their route can be followed at www.glaarkshouse.com and on Facebook under “Glaarkshouse”.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Cruises Santa Monica Streets in Unimog

Arnold's Unimong can be used for the most extreme, arduous tasks, including: fighting forest fires, rescue operations

Since the demise of the Hummer, former Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger has moved on to the Mercedes-Benz Unimog. He was spotted on Thursday driving around the rough terrain of Santa Monica in his new monster truck.

The 65-year-old’s new enormous ride, the Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG, retails for about $250,000 and is the vehicle of choice for the army in Germany. You may remember we spotted Arnold testing the Unimog’s at the Unimog Museum in Germany back in July.

A number of fans gathered to admire Arnold’s ride – with one overzealous woman getting so excited that she climbed onto the front of the vehicle and clung onto the front of the bull bars.

The vehicle has reportedly been modified to fit the LA roads after being customised by a German company called Mertec.

The former actor purchased the Mercedes-Benz Unimog to go cruising around the Californian city, which is the army vehicle of choice for many different armies, including Germany, Britain and the United States.

According to Mercedes Benz, the Unimog range of cars is perfect for: ‘The most extreme, arduous tasks, including: fighting forest fires, performing rescue operations during catastrophes or maintaining power supply lines.’ Perfect for what the Terminator might face while he battles with his soon to be ex-wife

Arnold happily shook the hands of fans before hopping into his new pick-up truck and driving home.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Visits Museum for Unimog U1300 Test Drive

The former Governor of California tested the new Unimog on the test track at the Unimog Museum

Arnold Schwarzenegger has long been famous for driving Humvees, at one time owning an entire fleet of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. But what do you do when you’re looking to diversify your collecion, what kind of car does an action star move on to? It looks like it will be a brand new Unimog U1300 for Schwarzenegger. The former Governor of California was seen testing the new Unimog on the test track at the Unimog Museum this last week.

For both the museum staff and museum visitors,Schwarzenegger’s recent visit came as a complete surprise.  To the amazement of many museum visitors, Schwarzenegger tested alongside former Mercedes-Benz employee and Mertec founder, René Dusseldorp, on the trail outside of the museum. Schwarzenegger then made his way through the current Unimog exhibits “Special Operations Unimog: Rescue – Help Mountains” result. An Austiran native from the Unimog drive system area was particularly happy about his local celebrities visit.

The Unimog Museum in Gaggenau, located in the Murg River Valley, is open Tuesday through Sunday (10am – 5pm) and offers something for the entire family.

Photos Via MBPassion