1000 found their way to the UK between 1959 and 1974, imported first by a firm near Liverpool called Ryders International, and later by Steyr themselves who marketed them from a distribution depot on Lower Parliament St, Nottingham, England. Three features of the vehicle make them particularly good as off road machines. The provision of both front and rear differential locks, which enable the vehicle to make progress even if only one wheel is in firm contact with the ground. The design of the front and rear axles are of the 'Portal' type. This means that the centre of the axle is above the centre of the wheel, thus increasing the ground clearance under the axle without increasing the wheel diameter.
Power is transmitted from the axle to the wheel via drop gears in each wheel hub.
The suspension is of fully independant type, each half axle having about 10 inches of free movement. We believe that there are around 50 road going vehicles left in the UK, with about the same number used for off-road trials. Another, unknown number, are in pieces. The majority of enthusiasts are to be found in Germany and Austria where there are thriving clubs. One of the more important club meetings is held every year at the village of Hafling in the Italian Tyrol.