The Mercedes-Benz LAK 1624 "Rundhauber" – the historical prototype

Beginning in 1959, Daimler-Benz introduced a new generation of trucks: the "Kurzhauber" (short-hood). The name describes a technical trick – the engine was moved slightly into the driver's cab, leaving only a short hood. This saved on overall length and created more space for the cargo area. The design was inspired by the passenger car construction of the time: a rounded pontoon shape rather than free-standing fenders.

Because of this rounded front, the nickname "Rundhauber" (literally "round-hood") became popular alongside "Kurzhauber." The series was robust, easy to maintain, and in high demand worldwide – it was produced until the 1990s and exported to numerous countries.

The model designation follows a simple logic: The first two digits represent the gross vehicle weight in tons, and the last two represent the engine power. "1624" therefore means the 16-ton class with about 240 hp, powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine. In Mercedes-Benz nomenclature, the letters "LAK" usually stand for Lastwagen (truck), Allradantrieb (all-wheel drive), and Kipper (tipper).

Note: Equipment and exact values for individual variants depend on the respective model year and specification. The information describes the series and type logic, not every individual configuration.

What makes the "Rundhauber" special

The "Kurzhauber" was a compromise on wheels – and that is exactly what made it successful. It combined the advantages of the classic hooded truck with those of the cab-over design:

• The engine sits partially inside the cab – shorter than a long-hood truck, but with easily accessible technology.
• Less noise and heat in the cab compared to a pure cab-over, often with space for a third seat.
• Many drivers valued the sense of security provided by having the hood in front of them.
• As an all-wheel-drive version, the hooded truck was particularly at home in construction and heavy-duty operations.

This robustness made the "Rundhauber" a symbol of the reconstruction era – a workhorse still associated with the German post-war period and construction industry today. This character is exactly what makes it so appealing as a collector's item.

The LAK 1624 as a 1:50 scale model (Conrad 1057/02)

The model presented here is from Conrad Modelle and bears item number 1057/02. According to product specifications, it is in 1:50 scale and made predominantly of die-cast zinc with plastic parts. It features the characteristic "Rundhauber" cab and is implemented as a 2-axle rear tipper.

Model features according to product specifications

• Authentically replicated "Rundhauber" cab
• Opening hood with engine replica
• Steerable front axle
• Tipper bed tiltable via hydraulic cylinder
• Movable tailgate
• Side mirrors and guide rods included for self-assembly
• Prototypical detail prints and attachments

As is customary with detailed collector's models, the LAK 1624 is not suitable for children under 14 years of age – this is a collector's item, not a toy.

Original and model: "Mercedes-Benz" here refers to the historical prototype. The model is manufactured and offered by Conrad Modelle. All brand and company names are the property of their respective owners and serve only for description; no official connection to Mercedes-Benz is implied.

Why historical commercial vehicle models are fascinating

A model like the LAK 1624 is more than just decoration. It preserves a piece of everyday history – the time when hooded trucks like this moved building materials, excavated earth, and cargo through a country under reconstruction. Anyone who picks up such a model is holding a chapter of engineering art in miniature.

In 1:50 scale, this is exactly what shines through: proportions, attachments, and functions can be understood without a single vehicle filling half the display case. For many collectors, it is this mixture of memory, technology, and craftsmanship that creates the appeal. You can find more on this topic in our comparison of 1:50 vs. 1:64 and in the brand overview.