The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is a four-wheel drive car manufactured by Magna-Steyr (formerly Steyr-Daimler-Puch) in Austria and sold by Mercedes-Benz. Although originally developed as a military all-terrain vehicle, more luxurious models were later added to the line, and the G-Wagon has a reputation as a very capable off-roader that combines ruggedness with refinement in a way that its British rival, the Land Rover, never quite managed.

Launched in 1979, the Gëlandewagen (‘all-terrain car’) has climbed every mountain and forded every stream, and provided transport to a wide range of users, including armies, forest rangers, firefighters and even the Pope. More recently, it has become a 4x4 of choice for the rich and famous. 

The G-Wagon has remained in the Mercedes range for an amazing 42 years, and has changed very little in that time. The 400,000th unit rolled off the production line in December 2020.  

F 984 JTA was first registered in January 1989. The vendor purchased the car from the keeper of a country estate, he understands that it lived there for more than 15 years with only one annual foray onto public roads, to secure an MoT certificate. 

The car comes with some receipts for recent work including the odometer overhaul for £475 and with a valid MOT certificate runs until the end of January 2023. The vehicle will also come with V5 documentation and 3 keys.

The car’s exterior looks remarkably good for its age. It’s clearly been treated with some form of rustproofing around the sills and the bottom of the body, and this would seem to have been very effective – there’s no visible evidence of rust. The off-white paintwork looks very good, with just the odd mark here and there.

All the lights are in excellent condition, as are the wheels. The vendor has recently put two new rear tyres on the car, while the front ones still have plenty of life in them. Mounted on the rear door is a sound if a little tired spare wheel and tyre. 

Again, for a car more than thirty years old, the interior is really good and very original. The seats are clean and tidy, with just a little wear on the driver’s seat bolster, and a couple of marks on the passenger seat. The rear seats look to have been hardly used. 

There are some stains on the grey carpet but the front footwells have been protected by Mercedes black rubber overmats, the carpet in the load area looks remarkably good. The seat mechanisms all work smoothly. Under the driver’s seat is a fitted jack.    

Both front door panels look good, the rear door has some scuffs and some paint marks. The roof lining is also good which is unusual for one of these. The dashboard, centre console and switchgear all look fine, although there’s a mark on the plastic tray under the dash.

 

The car starts readily and the diesel engine sounds healthy. The gear lever slots easily into gear, and the car pulls away as it should. The high driving position gives a great view of the road, and the seats are comfortable. The 3-litre diesel has long been seen as the best engine to have in a G-Wagon, and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint. 

All the switchgear seems to work as it should, and the original radio works as it should through the manual lift aerial.

Under the bonnet, everything looks good for a car of this age, and underneath the car there’s no evidence of significant rust or leaks, quite remarkable for one this age. 

The keen eyed of you will notice the mileage on the MOT history has stayed the same for a few years. This is due to the odometer not working when the vendor took ownership. This has now been repaired and works fine. 
It is impossible to know the true mileage of the car of course, but it is felt due to its condition and life on a country estate it is unlikely to be significantly different, however potential buyers must make their own judgment here and the vendor is happy to entertain viewings. 

With its 42-year history and strong reputation, the Mercedes G-Wagon can hold its own at the top table of motoring icons. 

The G-Wagon has a big following and a lasting appeal and as the car’s styling has changed so little, even older examples still look the part, this car still looks good from every angle. It represents particularly good value and being a rare 3 door, unmolested original example has to be a great choice. 

With a new MoT and sound mechanicals, F 984 JTA offers its new owner the promise of on-road comfort and off-road adventures.