Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, Online Auction - 12th June on Thursday the 12th of June. Background:The Mercedes-Benz 'G' Class, or G-Wagon as it is more commonly known, is a uniquely styled cross-country vehicle famed for its Teutonic functionality and purposeful looks. Developed initially as a military vehicle, it has gone on to become one of the longest-running vehicles in Daimler-Benz's history, with a production span of 32 years. Following a suggestion by the Shah of Iran, the decision was made to offer it as a civilian vehicle and in 1979 it duly appeared, eventually offering air conditioning, automatic transmission, a cable winch and protective headlamp grilles. Further improvements were introduced in later years, including more comfortable front seats, wider tyres and arches, central locking and differential locks.
The Car:This beautiful automatic 230GE was supplied new in the UK and first registered on 1st January 1985. It spent the first 27 years of its life in the UK before moving to Dublin, Republic of Ireland, where it was registered locally. Amazingly, it has had just four keepers in the UK and only one in Ireland. While currently registered in Ireland, it could be easily re-imported to the UK, where it would likely be given its original registration back – B987 AHM. For UK import we would expect the car to be given historic status and as such duties and taxes would amount to 5% VAT only with no other duty payable. . Equally, its registration in Ireland also allows smooth passage into the rest of the EU.
In terms of condition, it is truly an extraordinary find, having never been welded in its life, either externally or underneath. The paint is also excellent and it appears that none has been added since its original build. There is just one tiny mark on the paint, a small bubble underneath the rear wheel, which is very common on these. The car has a tow ball, which appears unused.
The interior is also near immaculate, right down to the original first aid kit still in its plastic wrapper. Three keys are provided and all locks can be operated with a single key — always reassuring on a 40 year old vehicle. The vendor advises that both window regulators do require some attention. In terms of history, the car still retains the original book pack, along with a host of invoices and MOTs from its time in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland, along with the original UK registration document.
Location: Dublin, Republic or Ireland
Seller: Private
Photos: Vendor supplied
