Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen 300GD

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 share holder in the firm, he probably had more sway than most, but the idea was clearly a good one and was grasped enthusiastically.

From 1972 work began, the Mercedes-Benz team joining forces with the Austrian firm Steyr-Puch. The Germans did the design, whilst the Austrians productionised the new 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 surviving 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 differentials, which meant that it was possible to get all 4 wheels to turn at once. Popular with the military, public authorities and farming community alike, it was soon adopted by the upper class 'green wellie' brigade a bit like the Range-Rover in the UK. Its profusion of knobs and 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.

First registered in January 1988, this 3-litre diesel example was delivered in long wheelbase form fitted with the optional 5-speed manual transmission. The current owner purchased the car in October 2012 and has treated it to an extensive programme of refurbishment including a £2,000 repaint in the original Lapis Blue metallic paint, completely overhauled brakes including new front discs, pads and reconditioned calipers, handbrake cables, windscreen wiper linkage, heater fan motor, windscreen seal, battery, diff lock actuators and numerous other service items. In total well over £4,000 has been spent in the last few months to bring the car up to its current, near immaculate condition. Said to drive beautifully, it comes with a fresh MOT until May 2014.

G-Wagens have a cult following and good ones rarely come on the market as owners tend to hang on to them. Described by the vendor as "one of the good ones",  it 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!