Driving an Eco-Friendly Hummer Himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mercedes-Benz Unimog Is Up for Auction

While Arnold Schwarzenegger is world famous for his bodybuilding and Hollywood exploits. However, one of his lesser-known hobbies is the seven-time Mr. Olympia’s love for cars. Throughout Arnie’s career as a bodybuilder, 80s action star, and Governor of California, he has owned several cars. One of the most unique cars in his collection will soon be available at an auction.

The 1997 Mercedes-Bez Unimog will be up for auction in January 2024 at Barrett-Jackson. As the environmental activist pivoted to driving green cars, the 76-year-old converted his beloved Hummer into a fully electric vehicle. This one-of-a-kind red Hummer was the first electric Hummer in the world. However, his Unimog is far from being eco-friendly.

A car that Arnold Schwarzenegger personally modified

While iconic, the Hummer was plagued with several problems throughout its production. Arnold Schwarzenegger might’ve made it possible for civilians to own a road-legal version of the military Humvee, but the car remained niche. In 2012, years after the Hummer had stopped production, Arnie bought the 1977 Unimog. It was a big, rugged machine, like the Terminator himself.

However, the former governor wanted to modify it further. Unimog specialist Merex Mertec from Gaggenau, Germany, modified the truck according to Arnie’s specifications. The 76-year-old’s souped-up Unimog has Michelin XZL 445/65 tires on 22-inch wheels. It also has air suspension, a roll cage, a trailer brake system, high-performance Hella lights, and a customized bed.

However, the most valuable modification might be Arnold Schwarzenegger’s signature on the dashboard. The 6.4-liter inline-6 turbodiesel powerplant of the Unimog delivers 320 hp, but it’s outdated and only meets Euro 3 emission norms. Unlike Arnie’s electric Hummer, the modified Unimog emits 10x more harmful gases than current emission norms permit.

Maybe that’s why Arnie sold the car in 2014. The Unimog has changed quite a few hands before ending up at Barrett-Jackson. Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger has embraced green tech.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn’t drive gas-guzzlers anymore

During his time as Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger earned the moniker of ‘The Green Governor’ for his environmental reforms. While he once endorsed the gas-hungry Hummer, Arnie now endorses greener tech like electric cars. In 2022, the bodybuilder even appeared as Zeus in an ad for BMW electric cars.

The bodybuilding legend still owns fuel-devouring military vehicles like his M47 Patton. However, he doesn’t drive around in these vehicles. In fact, the only time the Austrian Oak drives his tank is to raise money for charities. Hence, it’s not surprising to see why the 76-year-old sold his unique Unimog in 2014 despite modifying and restoring it.

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