Heritage
Tinker. Believe. And move.
Four friends with a heart for machines. A pastor who can do more than preach. What began as a small tinkering project has become a story about friendship — and the all‑rounder on wheels that brings everyone together.
Pastor Markus Lettner restores Unimog for a good cause.
A Unimog. A feeling.
When a Unimog could be heard somewhere in town back then, his heart would beat faster. And even today it is for Pastor Markus Lettner more than just the sound of an engine: it is the sound of his childhood – a piece of home.
His father was the first farmer in Kappelrodeck to own a Unimog – the U 411 with 32 hp and a three-way tipper was as much a part of the farm as the tractor and the pitchfork.
Faith as a foundation.
Markus Lettner studied civil engineering in Karlsruhe. A solid degree, a clear path. But something was missing. Not the interest – but the depth. The decision to study philosophy and theology followed: not as a break, but as an expansion. "There is more than technology. But technology remains a part of me."
Markus Lettner with his Unimog
In the service of the community.
In his work as a pastor he often needs practical solutions for a wide range of tasks. Friends gave him the tip: Get yourself a Unimog. Soon a Unimog U 406 moved into the parsonage yard. Restored by him and lovingly maintained, it is today a machine that gets stuck in when it matters — whether for woodwork in the church forest or simply for a round of gear‑shifting pleasure. Markus Lettner says enthusiastically: "Others buy expensive cars and enjoy the driving pleasure — I have, in addition to the driving pleasure, a really good towing vehicle."
He now owns a second model: a Unimog U 421 Cabrio. Both vehicles have names. Both remind him of people who gave meaning to his life. "When I drive them, I often think about the stories behind them," says Markus Lettner.
Technology with personality.
The Unimog U 406 is called "Freddy" — named after Markus Lettner's father. 84 hp, with a six-cylinder engine OM 352: Freddy is a machine that gets the job done when it counts.
The Unimog U 421 convertible goes by the nickname "Nenimoggerl" and has 52 hp from an old passenger car engine, the OM 621. Light, open, charming. Not a workhorse. A character.
- Pastor Lettner's Unimog U 421 "Nenimoggel"
- Markus Lettner with his fellow mechanics
- Pastor Lettner's Unimog U 406 "Freddy"
Together, anything is possible.
Father Markus Lettner doesn't tinker alone. At his side are Bernhard Schönsteiner, Reinhold Eberwein and Helmut Pawlik — men with diesel in their blood and a passion for craftsmanship.
Bernhard Schönsteiner, a sales engineer from the region, met Markus Lettner over an after-work beer. They struck up a conversation and discovered their shared passion for the Unimog. Bernhard found the first one through a contact in Coburg — a purchase that sealed their friendship as fellow tinkerers.
Reinhold Eberwein, a trained agricultural and construction mechanic, brings technical experience from his apprenticeship — and was immediately enthusiastic at the sight of the Unimog: "May I help with the restoration?" Soon they were standing together at the workbench, welding sheet metal, cursing rust — and later even flew to Africa together to volunteer to repair tractors. His workshop remains the meeting place to this day — warm and full of ideas.
Helmut Pawlik, a test engineer and motor vehicle expert, joined through the church congregation. He provided technical support for every project, right up to final approval for the H license plate.
The friends have already restored five Unimogs together and shared countless hours. Their passion: tinkering. Their drive: laughter. Their mission: helping.
- Teaser 1
- Teaser 2
- Teaser 3
- Teaser 4
Helmut Pawlik, Reinhold Eberwein, Markus Lettner and Bernhard Schönsteiner
For the love of detail. And for others.
For the pastor, there are parallels between the technical work and his faith. "Restoration requires patience. Often things don't work immediately. You have to search, learn, understand. In the same way, faith grows — with time, with love, with devotion."
A very special project was the Unimog U 1500. The four enthusiasts completely restored it — then sold it. The proceeds went to a rural children's project in South Africa and to a leprosy village in Africa. "It brings joy when things you have created together help others. That feels good."
Unimog? Time and again.
If he were to decide again today, Markus Lettner says, he would choose the same vehicles again: “I’ve had experiences with the Unimog U 406 and the Unimog U 421 that I will never forget.” In the end, it’s about much more than technology. It’s about purpose. And about reliability. That’s exactly what makes the Unimog the perfect companion.
More stories from history:
This might also interest you:
Unimog Power in the vineyard
Welded together
Fresh on the table