Used 1971 Pinzgauer 710M (CA Legal) for sale in San Francisco, CA

If you clicked on this listing and you're wondering "wtf is a Pinzgauer" - YouTube will answer all your questions and then some, particularly the question of "Do I really want one of these?" The answer is almost certainly yes. The answer to the question "Do I really need one of these?" will likely depend on your spouse (and be a resounding "no") which is part of how I find myself posting this bad boy on Craigslist today.

I bought this truck a few years ago after looking for a DeLorean, seeing one of these at the dealer, and immediately forgetting the main reason I had shown up to the dealer.

Anyway, this truck is fully CA-legal with no smog required. Clean title. 4 cylinder gasoline engine producing max torque pretty much at idle. I'm guessing I get roughly 16 mpg combined, which is not bad for its age and stature. Fits into a regular parking spot without any hassle, so you can take it for Whole Foods runs no problem. It's a 10-seater (bench seats for 8 in the back) so it's a very practical family vehicle. It really doesn't like to drive over 50 mph, so it's a great daily driver for around town. Kind of like the Nissan Leaf you might be cross-shopping with this. Unlike the Nissan Leaf though, this will attract a lot of attention around town. To be clear: it is NOT a "chick magnet" as most of the attention is from middle-aged males. You need TWO separate keys to start the engine. There are no locks on the doors (not surprising given that it was spec'ed for the Swiss military). It comes with a rack for two rifles. Stock.

The good:
Truck runs, recent engine service with carb rebuild, valves gapped, new spark plugs, civilian ignition conversion, etc. Other maintenance items include portal axle seal to fix a leaking hub, VDO tachometer install, VDO speedo, VDO gas gauge (fuel level sensor needs to be connected/replaced), all fluids replaced. Comes with full repair manual and maintenance manual (two separate books). Comes with its original tools, snow chains, etc. as well as its original maintenance logs from its service in the Swiss military before import. Fairly new AGM optima dual batteries (24V system). All new hydraulic fluids (brakes, 4WD/front/rear diff lockers). Brand new tires (the photos in the ad are from before I replaced the tires). Push-to-start ignition (this was stock 50 years ago?).

The bad:
Some surface rust on the body. Nothing that should require more than some sanding and body filler/paint.
4th gear grinds unless you're throwing it into gear when it's at idle (whether or not at speed). This *may* be due to shifter linkage bushing that needs to be replaced. I'd start there since it's a quick test and will save you from a tranny rebuild.
The canvas cover could use a refresh of some of the chrome/leather straps as well as the plastic "windows"

This is officially a 50-year old truck. It's not a museum showpiece. But with some TLC it can get close.

I hate myself for even thinking about selling it. Not willing to play games on price. The prospect of selling for too little will be my pretense to my spouse for keeping it. the classic "Sorry hun I didn't get a reasonable price, I guess we have to keep it!" Not willing to ship it or deliver. You must come to San Francisco to pick it up. I have to meet you in-person so that you look me in the eye and promise you'll take good care of it. I may or may not cry when you take the keys from me.