In many parts of the world, the qualities required for a desirable vehicle are simply that it be cheap, versatile, easy to maintain, and tough as nails, and this boxy cab-over-engine truck concept definitely fits the bill for rugged locales such as those found in Africa. Meet the OX, a modular truck that assembles like IKEA furniture, designed by the man who came up with the legendary McLaren F1.

Called the Global Vehicle Trust OX, this “flat pack” truck brings the dream of GVT founder Sir Torquil Norman one step closer to reality, as he’s made it his mission to provide the developing world with cheap, reliable transportation. The task of creating a unique lightweight truck for this humanitarian program landed on the desk of none other than iconic car designer Gordon Murray, who came up with these prototypes.
The flat-pack format?also known as a knockdown kit?is not new. Certain carmakers have used it in the past to avoid local taxes, but this method also pushes down the costs by making these vehicles really easy to transport. GVT claims it takes three people less than six hours to build the kit truck in the U.K. prior to shipping. Six of the trucks can be packed in a single 40-foot shipping container, while it’s said three skilled people can assemble an OX in approximately 12 hours.

The fully assembled truck is a highly capable off-roader despite lacking all-wheel drive. Powered by a 2.2-liter diesel producing 100 horsepower and 229 lb-f...