Would you conquer every mountain in this 1975 Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer 710M for $25,000? This isn't your average off-roader—it's the Swiss Army knife of vehicles, but does its price tag cut it?
Let’s start with a detour into pop culture. Thanks to a certain South Park episode, we’ve collectively embraced the absurd idea that aliens, after traveling light-years to study us, are obsessed with... well, let’s call it probing. Despite UFO experts like Brad Lueder dismissing this trope in his 2012 book A UFO Hunter's Guide, it persists as both humanity’s greatest fear (or, for some, a bizarre fantasy) of alien encounters. Speaking of probes, Ford’s decision to retire the Probe nameplate nearly 30 years ago might not be unrelated. And while we’re on the topic, yesterday’s 1989 Ford Probe GT, priced at $8,750, didn’t exactly probe deep into buyers’ wallets, earning a 64% 'No Dice' verdict. But here’s where it gets controversial: Could alien-inspired quirks influence car values? Let us know in the comments!
Now, back to the Pinzgauer. Introduced in 1971 as a military workhorse, this 4x4 quickly became a civilian legend for its go-anywhere capability. With a production run spanning over three decades, the Pinzgauer’s design is a masterclass in off-road engineering: a central tube chassis, portal axles, short overhangs, and extreme approach/departure angles. Its forward-control layout, with the engine between the front seats, maximizes space—and this M edition’s soft top transforms it into a sun-soaked convertible. Talk about versatility!
But here’s the part most people miss: This Pinzgauer seats ten. Yes, ten! Four inward-facing seats in the load area, accessed via a swinging door (which doubles as a spare tire mount), plus two in the cab. Perfect for rescuing villains from mountain lairs or fording flooded LA freeways—with the whole crew along for the ride. And this is the part where it gets controversial: Is a 10-seater off-roader practical, or just overkill? Weigh in below!
Mechanically, the seller claims everything works as expected—except the odometer, frozen at 1,074 (likely kilometers, and probably rolled over). Recent maintenance includes an oil change, new filters, and massive Cooper tires. The body shows a slight patina of surface rust, but nothing critical. Plus, its high ground clearance reveals a hidden storage area under the bed—perfect for stashing... well, whatever you need to stash.
Under the hood (or rather, under the cab floor) is a 2.5-liter air-cooled inline-four, fed by dual carburetors and equipped with multiple oil pumps to handle extreme angles. Paired with a five-speed manual and a two-speed transfer case, it delivers 105 horsepower—enough for off-road dominance, but don’t expect highway thrills. Its top speed? Let’s just say it’s more kindergarten tricycle than speed demon. And this is the part where it gets controversial: Is raw off-road capability worth sacrificing on-road performance? Share your thoughts!
The ad boasts a clean title, current registration, and a bold claim: ‘It’ll out-wheel any Jeep, Dodge, Chevy, Ford, or Toyota.’ For serious off-roaders or collectors seeking a quirky parade star, this Pinzgauer has undeniable charm. But at $25,000, it’s priced like a premium collectible—and in the off-road world, that’s a steep climb.
So, what’s your verdict? Is this Pinzgauer worth every penny, or does its price feel like a Puch in the gut? Let us know in the comments—and don’t hold back!
