1988 Mercedes 300GD G Wagen - outstanding condition

The Mercedes G-Wagen came about thanks to an idea put forward to the Mercedes-Benz board by the Shah of Iran. As a major shareholder in the firm at the time. he probably had more influence than most. but the idea was clearly a good one and was grasped enthusiastically by Mercedes-Benz management.

From 1972 work began. the Mercedes-Benz team joining forces with the Austrian firm Steyr-Puch. The Germans did the design and engineering. whilst the Austrians productionized the vehicle. a natural fit as they were already manufacturing the brilliant Haflinger and were geared for low volume production. unlike Mercedes.

The first Puch Gs rolled out in 1976. however it was not to be until 1979 that the true Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen was produced – remaining in production to this day. making it the longest serving Mercedes-Benz model. the G denomination standing for Gelandewagen (cross country vehicle).

Available with a long or short wheelbase. it was built on a rugged ladder chassis and used a permanent 4-wheel drive system. Unlike most other off roaders. it boasted fully locking. hydraulically activated differentials. which meant that it was possible to get all 4 wheels to turn at once. Popular with the German military. public authorities and farming community alike. it was soon adopted by the “upmarket” brigade. a bit like the Range Rover in the UK. Its profusion of knobs and a rugged and functional interior did however cause a few problems. the UK importer preferring to sell them through their Commercial Vehicle Network to prevent customers buying them for status rather than function and becoming disillusioned with the brand in the process.

This superb example was first registered in January 1988. and delivered in long wheelbase form with the legendarily tough 3. 0-litre 5 cylinder diesel engine and optional 5-speed manual transmission.

The current owner (a good friend of mine) purchased the car in October 2012 and it has been since been treated to an extensive programme of refurbishment including:

- a £2. 00 re-paint in the original Nautic Blue metallic paint

- completely overhauled brakes including new front discs. pads and reconditioned brake calipers

- new handbrake cables

- new windscreen wiper linkage

- new heater fan motor. /span>

- new windscreen seal

- new battery

- reconditioned hydraulic diff lock actuators

- numerous other service items

In total well over £4. 00 has been spent in the last few months to bring the car up to its current. near immaculate condition. The car is now in tip top condition. and comes with a fresh MOT until May 2014.  

There are just a couple of electrical glitches that still need attention – the fuel gauge reads full all the time. the rev counter is intermittent. and the odometer has been stuck at 60. 57 miles for a while. so the mileage cannot be warranted.

I have taken over 130 pictures of all aspects of the car. available to view on my Flickr site here http://www. flickr. com/photos/74935153@N07/sets/72157633508316964/

G-Wagens have something of a cult following and good ones rarely come on the market. as owners tend to hang on to them. This is certainly a good one. and is offered for sale only because the owner has recently taken on an early Range Rover restoration as his next project. Overall. a great opportunity to acquire an example of the legendary G-Wagen for about a tenth of the price of a new one!

The pictures on Flickr are very detailed and show every part of the car. but I would still encourage you to come and view the car for yourself. We are a little off the beaten track down here in Devon. but only an hour or so from Bristol on the M5. I can also meet you at Tiverton Parkway rail station if you want to come by train.

The car is currently SORN so will need taxing before driving away. I can also arrange delivery of the car by trailer. at £1. 50 per mile one way.

Please call me on 07595 455568 or 01769 550922 with any questions or to arrange a viewing. I can also be contacted at seandewhurst1@gmail. com

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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