Steyr-Puch Haflinger

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Named after a small but sturdy Tyrolean packhorse, the Haflinger is a go-anywhere vehicle made by Steyr-Puch from 1959-1975.

Powered by a Porsche-designed 650cc flat twin engine and weighing 635kg, the Haflinger had four-wheel-drive and the ability to climb every mountain, ford every stream and carry 515kg thanks to a full set of effective diff locks and massive suspension travel. Not bad for a little ‘un.

With ‘mountain goat’ abilities, low ground pressure and tight turning circle, the diminutive Haflinger won many friends in all spheres of life, from mountain rescue to Scottish Crofters living in hostile environments.

This 1966 example was originally registered to its first owners as an agricultural tractor, a change in taxation class taking place in 1984. They lived on the rugged Ardnamurchan Peninsular on the west coast of Scotland and are believed to have owned it from new until it came into the vendor’s hands six years ago, although there is insufficient documentation to substantiate this, the file only including a V5C and one old MOT.

The vendor acquired it in 2012 via a dealer in Scotland for collecting wood and for general duties around his steep, wooded property. Bought sight unseen, the vendor soon realised that he had acquired an incredibly original example, even down to the sidescreens.

The body tub is essentially very sound, with just a few areas that could be tidied up if its new owner ever feels the need, and the engine ran sweetly after a good service and check over. The brake cylinders were replaced, new wheel nuts fitted and the vehicle generally given a good once-over.

Only lightly used since acquisition, the only non-standard item is the rudimentary hard-top, which would take minutes to remove, and the only parts missing would appear to be the hood sticks and the simple canopy which replaces it.

Sold with some useful spares, including new headlights etc, this delightfully original vehicle looks great fun and is very appealing in its ‘oily rag’ clothes.