Description
After unveiling in 1975 a military off-road vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz and Magna-Steyr brands (which became Steyr-Puch) launched in 1979 the civil version, marketed solely under Mercedes: the G-Class (Geländewagen). Its legendary ruggedness, exceptional off-road capabilities and unrivalled reliability helped forge a solid reputation among the most demanding military and professional users, operating in the toughest environments around the world.
Over the years it evolved from an indestructible utilitarian off-roader into a chic beater, and today it is recognised as the most iconic and the hottest model in the Mercedes range, as it remained in the manufacturer’s catalogue in 2026!
Notwithstanding, there have been several generations of the G-Class, the first running from 1979 to 1990.
It is indeed this version that we are offering today, in its highest-end trim and engine specification from the late 1980s: the 280 GE.
In a desirable configuration, very well equipped and with only 110, 000 kms, it is already particularly hard to find on the market.
But our exemplar has an additional, not insubstantial, feature for its countless fans: it was the property of Tina Turner.
Thus, the queen of rock settled at the end of the 80s on the shores of Lake Zurich in a sumptuous manor. She would thereafter primarily choose Mercedes G-Class for her daily Swiss travels: our exemplar was one of those.
Delivered new in Stuttgart on 14 December 1988 as evidenced by the maintenance booklet, it was registered by the star in Zurich on 20 December 1995 as shown by the copy of the registration certificate in our possession. The certificate also bears Tina’s date of birth (26. 11. 39) in accordance with Swiss law.
Beyond its prestigious history, this 280 GE presents itself in an absolutely remarkable mechanical and aesthetic condition: it is free from corrosion, and its magnificent plaid interior, unrestored, confirms the 110, 000 kms as well as the various technical inspections and service records.
It comes with numerous options, here is a non-exhaustive list:
- Metallic anthracite grey paint
- RECARO bucket seats (factory option)
- 5-spoke alloy wheels with wheel arches
- Headlamp wash
- Tow hitch
- Walnut burr inserts
- Heated seats
- Programmable auxiliary heater (WEBASTO)
- Power front windows
- Automatic transmission
- Rear headrests (3)
- Reading lamp on a flexible arm
- …
A full service has been performed on the vehicle, the battery is new, the winter tyres are new.
cosmetically the car presents very well, but a full repaint was carried out about twenty-odd years ago and, in our view, it is not up to the quality of the rest of the car. This is for the future owner to decide. No scratches or dents are to note.
Thus it is an exceptional opportunity to acquire both the car of a world-renowned music star and the chance to become owner of Mercedes’ most iconic model, in very good condition and with low mileage. A real favourite, and also a sound investment, in short…
