What Scott says!!!
I have a French 1957 404 made just after the standard wheelbase of the 404's was lengthened (that was in '56). The French bought a bunch of the longer ones too, and considering the scarcity of the short wheelbase mogs, chances are any 404 Unimog you see for sale will be the longer wheelbase. If the advertisement does not specify the short wheelbase (and be priced accordingly) then it's probably the long one.
The image sent to me from the seller is a 3/4 front view & it looks like the standard (114") wheelbase 404 to me
In '57 the factory was still using the hoods with turning latches, and putting bumberettes on the rear. Mine also has the 'safari' windshield, the type that kicks out at the bottom for air into the cab. Very nice in warm weather. The wipers are overhead on this windshield also.
While the windshield on this one looks different from the Swiss 404s I've seen, the wipers are mounted on the bottem not top. There are no turing latches on the hood as well-maybe a later contract truck?
Other than what Scott mentions, the French 404 Unimogs were very similar to the German, Belgium, etc, mogs, in contrast to the Swiss mogs that had many unique features. The "French' mogs will use the same doors and top canvas, and top frame, as the majority of 404 mogs, making parts easier to get.
That's good to know!
As for French maintenance, I had heard the same thing, that is, don't expect the French 404's to be as well maintained as the Swiss Unimogs (which have an excellent reputation).
Yeah a German Vet once told me something very similar. I don't think anything is as well maintained as whatever it is the Swiss are using 
Matt, considering that the 404 you are looking at has probably been through a few civilian hands since it came out of the military, I suggest you can forget about what military maintenance could have lacked. Consider the condition as it sits right now.
This Mog left French hands a long time ago so I'm not worried about that aspect. You are absolutly right about being concerned with it's current condition. Which is not perfect.
However, you should familiarize yourself on rebuild indicators such as plates on the engine, transmission, and front and rear axles. Chances are those will be replacements and will have dates on them. My French Unimog underwent several upgrades and most mechanical components are actually from the late 70's and up to mid 80's.
I'll try and take notes when I look at it & report back what I find.
The tag on the engine will even indicate the amount the crank has been turned and cylinders bored.
Also look for a total truck rebuild plate on the firewall above the passengers feet, in the engine compartment. If you see "MAT" followed by a number, note the number. MAT5 is a total rebuild, and smaller numbers designate lower levels of rebuild. I don't have the list handy though.
Did the seller indicate what year it was?
No he didn't. The truck is sporting a faded MATO three color camo paint job like the German radio trucks are usually sporting. Knowing that, and along with the windshield wiper location I have to wonder if the seller is certain that his Mog is actually French & not German???
Bob
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. For some reason, I was thinking more along the lines of the super short agricultural 401 or 406 models. The end of march I'm going to drive up and actually have a look at the French mog in question. I'm sure I'll have more questions when I return..... 