Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen 300GD

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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.

Still manufactured today, the G-Wagen has been in production for longer than any other Mercedes-Benz product, with AMG versions littering the drive-ways of most self-respecting Russian oligarchs and military models still finding new markets across the globe.

This 1988 300GD was built to special order in Maize Yellow, a rare colour option that suits the car brilliantly. Purchased by a collector in the Isle of Man in 2003, it joined his large collection of yellow vehicles, spending most of its time laid up in the garage. The odometer shows under 35,000 miles which the vendor sees no reason to doubt, given its period of inactivity and overall condition, although there it no paperwork to substantiate this. The underside of the car looks to be in very sound condition and the tyres look like they could tackle Mount Everest.

The original factory build spec on file shows that in addition to the bright yellow colour, it was ordered with a Deluxe interior and heat absorbing glass. Due to carry a fresh MOT by the time of the sale, it is guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd, be it in the Kings Road or arriving at your local point-to–point.