Hi, Paul Underwood here. I am the guy who first posted the notice on the real4x4 board, and it is my Pinzgauer 712M which first personally involved me. I received a letter exactly like the one shown here (above) last Friday. I have owned the truck 4 or 5 years. I bought it from ColdWarRemarketing (sp?) in Littleton, CO from the owner, Patrick Robb. I immediately drove it to Wisconsin and registered it. They had an hour delay before their "research dept." could find the correct "Make" to enter it into the computer with, but essentially no sweat. I've driven the truck to the Rockys again and back, and I probably average 1500 mi./yr. All background stuff.
Here's perhaps the biggest grind: They have issued a new title, which reads in the "make" area "STEYR PUCH PINZGAUER NON_ROADWORTHY VEHICLE" and below that "for off road use only". Now, even if I just want to sell my truck out-of-state, could anyone take that title and get the truck licensed for road use anywhere else? Is my truck worthless? And if it is, who'll pay for that?
As to their claims, the Pinz is not made in Switzerland. It was in fact built in Austria for military AND civilian sale. In fact, there is a civilian 710K in the US, certified by the DOT, and fully federalized, which was imported as a prototype civilian unit for possible sale in 1983. I will hopefully have photo proof of this in the near future.
Another Pinz owner (who asks at this writing to remain unnamed) who contacted the DMV was told that "all ex-military vehicles" were targeted for being removed. This is a fellow who I consider to be reputable and knowledgeable. I am trying to help by getting the information posted on the net. If things end up in court, I intend to provide what assistance I can. Hopefully, reason prevails. I'm also considering other options for operating my truck legally, perhaps as a 'tractor'. We'll see.....
I'm making this post not so much to ask for help, though if people can offer any assistance it won't be refused, but to let the owners of other, non-Pinzgauers know what's apparently coming. I've now heard from 3 other Wisconsin Pinzgauer owners who've received the death letter....
This is, unfortunately, just beginning, IMHO.
Thanks for reading. Paul