Hanomag Kurier: the light truck of 1958–1967

The Hanomag Kurier was a light truck introduced in 1958 as the smallest of a new range of forward-control commercial vehicles that also included the Garant and Markant. The three models replaced the L 28 and stayed in production until the F-series took over in 1967.

Hanomag Kurier at a glance

Based on one source: the German Wikipedia article on the Hanomag Kurier (Transporter), which also covers the Garant and Markant trucks.

History of the Hanomag Kurier

The Kurier was the smallest and most widely sold member of a new Hanomag light-truck range. The cabs of all three models — Kurier, Garant and Markant — looked alike: an all-steel forward-control cabin with only a slightly protruding nose and the model name in lettering on the radiator grille. The engines were mounted upright under the middle seat of the cab. The range gradually replaced the L 28, which nevertheless stayed in production until 1960.

The Kurier appeared in 1958 with the 50 PS diesel known from its predecessor. With a gross weight of about 3.9 tonnes depending on bodywork it could carry nearly two tonnes; power later rose to 60 PS and the weights were slightly increased, and from 1964 a 60 PS petrol engine was also available. The Garant, the middle model, arrived in 1959 with the 65 PS diesel of the L 28, carried a good 2.6 tonnes at 5 tonnes gross weight and was upgraded to 70 PS in the mid-1960s. The heaviest was the Markant, which carried 3.2 to 3.5 tonnes depending on version, used 70 and later 80 PS diesels, and completed the range at the top in 1960; with its arrival it finally replaced the L 28 apart from the all-wheel-drive AL 28.

Because of their characteristic front with the “Fischmaul” — fish-mouth — grille, the three models stayed in public memory for a long time. Most were platform trucks and platform tippers in commercial use, but closed box vans, separate box bodies especially for furniture delivery, and a few fire engines of the LF 8 type were also built. From 1961 to 1967 the Kurier box van was available with a completely different, smoother body with an angular grille and a large panoramic windscreen, which was wider, especially at the top, and offered more space.

In 1967 the F-series replaced the last light-truck range built under the Hanomag name. The Kurier later gained new fame as the vehicle of Meister Röhrich in the Werner comics and films.

Design and features

• Forward-control cab: an all-steel cabin with a slightly protruding nose and the model name on the grille.
• Engines under the middle seat: the upright diesel sat inside the cab, between the driver and passenger.
• Nearly two tonnes payload: about 3.9 tonnes gross weight depending on bodywork.
• Fischmaul grille: the fish-mouth front that made the three models easy to recognise.
• Kurier box van, 1961–1967: a smoother, wider body with an angular grille and panoramic windscreen.

Hanomag Kurier versions

• Kurier (1958): the smallest model, 50 PS diesel later raised to 60 PS.
• Garant (1959): the middle model, 65 PS later 70 PS, 5 tonnes gross weight.
• Markant (1960): the heaviest, 3.2–3.5 tonnes payload, 70 later 80 PS.
• Kurier box van (1961–1967): the smoother body with panoramic windscreen.
• Bodies: platform truck, platform tipper, box van, furniture van and LF 8 fire engine.

The Kurier replaced the L 28 and was itself replaced by the F-series. Its predecessor in the 1930s was the Garant, and more models are in the Hanomag collection.

Video: Lokvičići Juriči – Hanomag Kurier

Video by 6anovac on YouTube.

Sources

• Hanomag Kurier (Transporter), German Wikipedia: range, engines, payload, bodies, production years