More than just new paint: Roland Uhl's LAK 315

Classic vehicles

Completely new.

Roland Uhl restored his LAK 315 over the course of seven years. His motivation: childhood memories.


The model series.

The first new-build of a heavy truck at Mercedes-Benz after the war was launched under the name L 6600. It was produced in Gaggenau. The new engine, the OM 315, quickly developed to become a classic. The crankshaft running in seven lead and bronze bearings and chromed upper piston rings were designed to provide long-term durability. Other important innovations of the model series: a thermostat-controlled cooling system which heated and cooled the oil and a central lubricating system.

Mercedes-Benz promised mileage of more than 200,000 kilometres. Accordingly demand was huge: the L 6600 stormed the sales charts. In 1954 the type designation was changed to L 315. Then the model series was one of the most popular heavy-duty trucks in Germany. In 1957 the L 315 was replaced by the L 326 and L 329.


Photos and video: Jan Potente

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