IXO 1:43 Mercedes Benz LPS 1632 Car Transporter: Porsche Kremer Racing

Mercedes-Benz LP "cubic" cabin trucks were a series of cab-over-engine trucks first shown in 1963. They are most commonly referred to as the "Kubische Kabine" in German, referring to the squared-off appearance of the cabin. "LP" was also used on the cab-over versions of the preceding range of Mercedes-Benz trucks. The heavy- and medium-duty models had been discontinued by 1975 as the Mercedes-Benz NG range took over, while the lighter portion of the range was only replaced in 1984, by the new LK (Leichte Klasse, "light class").

The new LP range first appeared in 1963, along with a new naming system for Mercedes-Benz trucks as well as a new engine generation. Common for all variants were strong mechanics but an unfortunate reputation for rusting quickly. Some of the early trucks equipped with the new engines also suffered problems, but these were soon rectified. The cabin was designed to maximize interior space, with a low engine hump, and with large windows all around.

The naming of the trucks followed Mercedes-Benz' new naming strategy: the leading one or two digits signified the gross vehicle weight rating, with the last two digits representing the maximum power in tens of horsepowers (with a leading zero if necessary). Thus, an LP608 has a total max weight of 6 tonnes (13,000 lb) and an engine producing 80 PS (59 kW), while the LP 1632 is a 16-tonne (35,000 lb) truck with about 320 PS (235 kW). The LP range proved a strong seller, with an increase of German sales for Mercedes-Benz in the heavy truck segment of 153 per cent between 1965 and 1973.

The heavy-duty models were the first to be introduced, in late 1963. They have GVWs between 14 and 22 tonnes (31,000 and 49,000 lb). Their cabin is similar to that of the later middleweight trucks, although the oval headlamps were mounted in the bumper beneath the body. They were fairly spartanly equipped, in praticular the absence of a suspended seat. Mercedes-Benz countered with a suspended cabin, but this was often not enough to provide driver comfort in practice. Much of the technology was adapted from the preceding L/LP series, including the 200 PS (147 kW) OM 326 diesel straight-six. In 1964 this was replaced with the all-new 210 PS (154 kW) OM 346 direct injection diesel, an engine that ran smoother and was more durable (after some early problems).[10] Outputs soon crept up to 230 PS (169 kW) and then to 240 PS (177 kW) to meet new regulations which took effect on 1 May 1965. An overall weight of 38 tonnes (84,000 lb) for tractor-trailers coupled with the minimum 6 PS/tonne (max 373 lb/hp) made this necessary.

From 1 January 1972, the minimum power requirement increased to 8 PS/tonne (max 280 lb/hp). Mercedes-Benz responded with a new generation of diesel engines in a V-layout. These, however, required a tilting cabin and thus the heavy trucks were finally thus equipped. A 320 PS (235 kW) V10 OM 403 was enough for the heaviest loads, while a 256 PS (188 kW) V8 was perfect for the 32 tonnes (71,000 lb) category. The 1970 LP-series received new doors that went down deeper, eliminating the exposed steps and many of the various hatches. The roof was higher, and the front turn signals moved outwards so as to be visible from the sides of the truck. The smaller versions continued with the old cab. The heaviest models featured a lot of parts that were developed for the succeeding New Generation trucks, and are sometimes called the "Between Generation" (Zwischen-Generation). Towards the end of production of the V10 trucks, they received newly developed planetary axles as the earlier designs could not quite handle the V10's torque.

Kremer Racing is a motorsports team based in Cologne, Germany, founded by racing driver Erwin Kremer and his brother Manfred. They have competed internationally with Porsches for nearly all of their existence, and were even one of the factory-backed squads for many years. Besides running Porsches, the team was also known for their tuned Porsche race cars that they both raced and sold to other teams who could not gain the best equipment from the factory.

Among Kremer's greatest achievements were: Winning the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans with their own 935 K3 with Klaus Ludwig and American brothers Don and Bill Whittington. Kremer Racing later won the 24 Hours of Daytona in a K8 Spyder in 1995 with drivers Jürgen Lässig, Christophe Bouchut, Giovanni Lavaggi and Marco Werner.

After surviving a heart attack two years earlier, the company's founder Erwin died in 2006 and the managing director Uwe Sauer is at the helm of the team, even when younger brother Manfred Kremer bought it back in 2008, before selling it to Mr. Baunach in 2010.