Strengths
- 46 833 kilometres on the odometer
- Only 2 previous owners recorded
- Full service history carried out by a Mercedes specialist
- Interior and mechanical components entirely original
- Numerous exterior parts replaced with new in 2021
- W460 in excellent condition, factory spec, with a 2.8 litre petrol-injected engine
The Appeal
The G‑Wagen was Mercedes’ late entrant to rival Land Rover. Arriving late to the scene, it leveraged existing know-how and improved upon it. Meticulously designed, originally for military use and then civilian, the original W460 offers excellent performance both on road and off the beaten track, which most of its contemporaries simply cannot match.
Newer Classe G models have become more of a style statement than a utilitarian vehicle, but this early-generation example prioritises practicality. It is an exceptionally low-mileage, factory-spec example that belonged to a truck driver who took part in the Paris-Dakar several times. The current owner tells us he was very exacting and has kept this 280GE in perfect order. It was previously owned by a family friend of the current owner and is said to have undergone substantial renovation work, notably replacing exterior trim, before the seller acquired it in 2021.
The condition of the vehicle is impressive, particularly the beige tartan fabric interior, which is very durable. This is a 280G, E equipped with the powerful and robust 2.8-litre inline six petrol engine, producing 156 bhp, paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The seller assures us it has been regularly serviced by a Mercedes specialist and has always been parked in a garage.
W460s in such good condition with exceptionally low mileage are very hard to come by. Don’t miss this opportunity.
The seller states:
« This vehicle is becoming very rare to find completely original with low mileage and without any work required. Just turn the key to drive on roads, forests, tracks, cross-country etc. I had the opportunity to buy this vehicle through a contact. The previous owner was a family friend who fell seriously ill. This person participated in four Paris‑Dakar rallies in the 1980s. His wife sold the vehicle to me knowing I would look after it as well as her husband did. »
Newer Classe G models have become more of a style statement than a utilitarian vehicle, but this early-generation example prioritises practicality. It is an exceptionally low-mileage, factory-spec example that belonged to a truck driver who took part in the Paris-Dakar several times. The current owner tells us he was very exacting and has kept this 280GE in perfect order. It was previously owned by a family friend of the current owner and is said to have undergone substantial renovation work, notably replacing exterior trim, before the seller acquired it in 2021.
The condition of the vehicle is impressive, particularly the beige tartan fabric interior, which is very durable. This is a 280G, E equipped with the powerful and robust 2.8-litre inline six petrol engine, producing 156 bhp, paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The seller assures us it has been regularly serviced by a Mercedes specialist and has always been parked in a garage.
W460s in such good condition with exceptionally low mileage are very hard to come by. Don’t miss this opportunity.
The seller states:
« This vehicle is becoming very rare to find completely original with low mileage and without any work required. Just turn the key to drive on roads, forests, tracks, cross-country etc. I had the opportunity to buy this vehicle through a contact. The previous owner was a family friend who fell seriously ill. This person participated in four Paris‑Dakar rallies in the 1980s. His wife sold the vehicle to me knowing I would look after it as well as her husband did. »
History and documents
- Registered in 1981
- Two previous owners
- Acquired by the current owner in 2021
- The previous owner was a family friend who competed in Paris‑Dakar in a truck
- Maintained by a trusted Mercedes specialist in Seine‑et‑Marne
- Exempt from MOT
- Original service book
- Some servicing not documented by the previous owner
- We’re told the previous owner was very meticulous about maintenance
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Shows 46 833 km on the odometer (five-digit odometer)
- The seller confirms the mileage, but it has not been independently verified
- Serial numbers are said to be matching
- VIN: WDB46027217014030
Condition
- Very good Mercedes-Benz W460 3‑door, original, metallic silver
- Paintwork well kept, with a few light blemishes visible in the photos
- Paint described as being in good condition
- The bodywork is in very good condition with few imperfections and signs of wear
- Grille, wing trims, headlamp surrounds, bumpers and spare wheel cover replaced in 2021
- Some exterior elements, such as the wheel arch extensions, show light scuffs
- Minor touch-ups might be needed on the rear black wing extensions
- Front passenger-side wing extension has a slight crack in the fibreglass
- The seller asserts there is no rust
- The underside is visible in the photos and can be inspected
- Original beige tartan upholstery in very good condition thanks to the durability of the materials
- The seller notes a few interior imperfections
- The upholstery and plastics are in good condition
- Headlight operation requires checking
- Preserves original items such as the two‑spoke steering wheel and period Philips radio
- Two-seat configuration with ample rear load space
- Equipped with a tow hitch
- Deep-offset alloy wheels fitted with Bridgestone all-terrain tyres
Mechanical
- 2,746 cc inline six petrol engine, 156 bhp, electronic injection
- 4-speed manual gearbox
- Normal operation of the all-wheel drive (with high/low modes)
- Original engine in good condition
- Easy starting and good running according to the owner
- No significant fluid leaks reported
- Vehicle described as “mechanically perfect” by the seller
- Careful servicing by a previous demanding owner and the current owner
- Numerous services carried out by a Mercedes specialist (as detailed above
This sale is subject to Car & Classic’s General Terms and Conditions Terms. By placing a bid and/or making an offer you also accept the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, meaning that consumer rights under EU consumer protection law do not apply. However, you still benefit from Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.
✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQ and T&Cs for the specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is sold “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is” basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for guidance and it is standard to carry out a full vehicle inspection before purchase for peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer’s fees. VAT may be included or not in the final auction or offer price, as stated in the listing.
✓ We aim for a smooth transaction, and therefore we have all UK-registered vehicles listed on Car & Classic undergo an HPI check to confirm there are no insurance markers for damage or theft and that there is no outstanding finance, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also verify whether vehicles have been recorded as written off in the event of a total loss on listing day and we provide useful categories of accident damage (Cat C/D/S/N) to assist you. However, the presence or absence of a category label does not guarantee the vehicle’s condition, and it is always prudent to carry out your own full history check before bidding.
✓ Buyers are responsible for collecting the vehicle
or arranging delivery. Importing vehicles may incur customs duties and import taxes, so it is sensible to check in advance. It is the bidder’s responsibility to confirm import eligibility before purchase.
