Originally developed as a military vehicle, the G-Wagon was made available to the public in 1979 and continues, using largely the same design, to this day.
This is a late first-generation model presented in the very rare 3-door, 7-seat configuration, with a nice specification and having had thousands of pounds in maintenance and servicing lavished on it during a recent restoration.Tom G Wagon - IMG_59183.jpg15.69 MB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in October 1989
Current owner since November 2020
MOT to July 2023
Numerous invoices and receipts for work undertaken
Unusually for a car of this nature, the interior is remarkably well preserved.
The tan carpets are in fine condition, with complementary tan vinyl and plastics to the transmission tunnel, door cards and dash. All of this trim is presented in excellent condition for the vehicle’s age, with only minor signs of age and wear.
Likewise the seats look very well indeed, with a tan fabric finish and checker motif to the centre panels - which is repeated across a portion of the door cards. As well as the usual rear bench seat for three, at the very rear of the vehicle are two side-facing pull-down seats for occasional use.
It makes this G-Wagon a true 7-seater and eminently practical. It’s a cavalcade of brown and tan, very much of its time and really quite fetching. The vendor tells us that they have had the driver’s seat squab recovered as it had worn through, but otherwise this interior is extremely original.
The headlining is a light tan colour, and is just beginning to sag at the rear of the cabin. Otherwise it is in very good condition, with no damage, staining or tears we could identify.
Looking at the dashboard and instrument binnacle, it presents very well, with no damage, cracking or warping to the plastics. All of the controls and dials are still extremely legible too. Overall, the switchgear and controls are in very good order.
Other features of the cabin are the original Becker radio/cassette system and the original tool kit, which is stowed under the passenger seat.Tom G Wagon - IMG_598945.jpg10.97 MB
The Exterior
Recent respray in gloss black
Significant recent bodywork restoration
Rear mounted spare wheel and new cover
Gunmetal 16” 5-spoke alloys
Tow hitch, headlight cages and front spotlights
In three-door format, with the chunky wheel arch extensions and boxy proportions, the G-Wagon looks every inch the purposeful all-roader.
You’re certainly left in no doubt as to its intentions, with the headlight cages and chunky Toyo / Good Year AT tyres setting the tone nicely. They are wrapped around gunmetal coloured 5-spoke 16” Mercedes alloy wheels. There is a little paint peel to the wheels, but other than that they are in fine fettle, with no damage or scoring.
Underneath the car the owner tells us that there is the usual surface corrosion, but that overall it is solid and structurally sound.
Originally leaving the factory with a gold finish, this G-Wagon has been restored in recent years and recently refinished in gloss black.In 2016, the previous owner replaced the door seals and had the sills and inner arches refurbished. The work was carried out by ‘G Centre’ in Malvern.
During the current owner’s custodianship, new rear quarter panels and rear corner panels have been fitted, the rear bumper has been refurbished, the rear tailgate welded and the front inner wings refurbished. Then the respray was undertaken. Since then the car has been dry-stored, so the paint remains in extremely good condition.
Likewise, the bodywork itself appears to be in very good order, with no evidence we could discern of corrosion or damage, other than a tiny chip in the paint on the near-side front wheel arch.Tom G Wagon - IMG_59204.jpg14.79 MB
The Mechanics
2,299cc inline-four petrol engine
Automatic 4-speed transmission
High and low range
Front and rear locking differentials
Recent service and fuel system flush by Newtons Mercedes (26/7/22 @ 111,389 miles)
With a complete service history carried out by independent specialists, a good history of maintenance and a long MOT, you can be sure that this venerable G-Wagon is in very good order mechanically.
As well as the recent service, the vendor has fitted a new battery.
In 2016, the previous owner had a range of mechanical work undertaken by ‘G Centre’ in Malvern. This included: new exhaust manifold and silencer, new valve stem seals and a new distributor.
We’re told by the owner that the only issues they are now aware of is that the rear springs are corroded and may need to be changed before the next MOT, and that there is a minor weep from the steering box.
Apart from that, they assure us that the car drives impeccably well, starting ‘first time, every time” and displaying excellent road manners.
Mercedes’ G-Wagon is legendary for a reason. Combining brilliant off-road ability with space, comfort and robust reliability makes it a true ‘one size fits all’ transport solution.
The fact that this model is presented with such a good history, a lovely original interior and the benefit of a recent restoration and respray, just increases our confidence in this vehicle’s worth.
Add in to that the fact it’s a very rare 3-door, 7-seater configuration and you have something truly unique that would surely grace any classic car enthusiast’s collection.
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