This "eckhauber" (square bonnet) was designed to make the older normal control cab seem more rugged or purposeful than the "rundhauber", its round nosed predecessor. Initially, it was offered only on 4X4 and 6X6 chassis, but later on all types.
As these were all aircooled, there was no need for a radiator, and the original round nose design accommodated the giant cooling fan quite easily.
But some Magrirus management thought it looked a bit weak, so the chunky new bonnet and grille were introduced as a styling update. It was also pitched as affording more body flexibility off road, but this does not seem to have been too obvious - as loads of round nosed off road trucks were already being sold ever since 1951.
A lot of buyers however still bought the round nose for years after the square bonnet was introduced, as it was no less practical, and the rest of the chassis, cab and driveline remained unchanged...
As these were all aircooled, there was no need for a radiator, and the original round nose design accommodated the giant cooling fan quite easily.
But some Magrirus management thought it looked a bit weak, so the chunky new bonnet and grille were introduced as a styling update. It was also pitched as affording more body flexibility off road, but this does not seem to have been too obvious - as loads of round nosed off road trucks were already being sold ever since 1951.
A lot of buyers however still bought the round nose for years after the square bonnet was introduced, as it was no less practical, and the rest of the chassis, cab and driveline remained unchanged...
Added by Rob Johnson on 19 June 2020.