Highlights
- 46,833 kilometers on the odometer
- Only 2 previous owners registered
- Fully serviced by a Mercedes specialist
- Fully original interior and mechanical components
- Many new exterior parts installed in 2021
- W460 in excellent condition, factory-configured, with fuel-injected 2.8 L engine
The appeal
The G-Wagon was Mercedes' late rival to Land Rover. A latecomer, it was able to build on and improve existing achievements. Carefully designed initially for military and then civilian use, the original W460 offers excellent on- and off-road performance that most of its contemporaries simply can't match.
More recent G-Class models have become more of a stylistic statement than a utility vehicle, but this early example is all about functionality. This is an exceptionally low-mileage example, in factory configuration, having belonged to a truck driver who took part in the Paris-Dakar Rally on several occasions. The current owner tells us that he was very demanding and maintained this 280GE perfectly. He was a family friend of the current owner and would have undertaken extensive renovation work, including replacement of the exterior trim, prior to the seller's acquisition in 2021.
The condition of the vehicle is impressive, particularly the interior, which is made of hard-wearing beige tartan fabric. It's a 280G,E equipped with a powerful and robust 2.8-liter in-line six-cylinder petrol engine with fuel injection, producing 156 hp, combined with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The seller assures us that it has been regularly serviced by a Mercedes specialist and has always been parked in a garage.
W460s in such good condition and with exceptionally low mileage are very hard to find. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.
The seller states:
"This vehicle is becoming very rare to find completely original with low mileage and no work required. Just turn the key and drive it on roads, forests, trails, crossings and so on. I had the opportunity to buy this vehicle through an acquaintance. The previous owner was a family friend who became seriously ill. This person took part in four Paris-Dakar races in the 1980s. His wife sold me the vehicle, knowing that I would take as much care of it as her husband.
More recent G-Class models have become more of a stylistic statement than a utility vehicle, but this early example is all about functionality. This is an exceptionally low-mileage example, in factory configuration, having belonged to a truck driver who took part in the Paris-Dakar Rally on several occasions. The current owner tells us that he was very demanding and maintained this 280GE perfectly. He was a family friend of the current owner and would have undertaken extensive renovation work, including replacement of the exterior trim, prior to the seller's acquisition in 2021.
The condition of the vehicle is impressive, particularly the interior, which is made of hard-wearing beige tartan fabric. It's a 280G,E equipped with a powerful and robust 2.8-liter in-line six-cylinder petrol engine with fuel injection, producing 156 hp, combined with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The seller assures us that it has been regularly serviced by a Mercedes specialist and has always been parked in a garage.
W460s in such good condition and with exceptionally low mileage are very hard to find. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.
The seller states:
"This vehicle is becoming very rare to find completely original with low mileage and no work required. Just turn the key and drive it on roads, forests, trails, crossings and so on. I had the opportunity to buy this vehicle through an acquaintance. The previous owner was a family friend who became seriously ill. This person took part in four Paris-Dakar races in the 1980s. His wife sold me the vehicle, knowing that I would take as much care of it as her husband.
History and documents
- Registered in 1981
- Two previous owners
- Acquired by current owner in 2021
- Previous owner was a family friend who took part in the Paris-Dakar truck race
- Serviced by a trusted Mercedes specialist in Seine-et-Marne
- Exempt from roadworthiness tests
- Original service history
- Some maintenance not documented by previous owner
- We're told that the previous owner was very meticulous about maintenance
- Vehicle registration document
- Shows 46,833 km on the odometer (5-digit odometer)
- The seller confirms the mileage, but it is not verified
- Serial numbers match
- VIN number: WDB46027217014030
Condition
- Very nice Mercedes-Benz W460 3-door, original, silver metallic
- The paintwork is well maintained, with a few light marks visible in the photos
- Paintwork is described as being in good condition
- Body is in very good condition with few imperfections and signs of wear
- Front grille, fender trim, headlight surrounds, bumpers and spare wheel cover replaced in 2021
- Some exterior components, such as fender extensions, have minor scratches.
- Minor paint touch-ups may be required on the black rear fender extensions
- The front fender extension on the passenger side has a slight crack in the fiberglass.
- Seller affirms absence of rust
- The underbody is visible in the photos and can be examined
- Original beige tartan interior in very good condition thanks to robust materials
- The seller points out a few imperfections in the interior
- Upholstery and plastics in good condition
- Low-beam headlights need checking
- Retains original features such as two-spoke steering wheel and vintage Philips car radio
- Two-seater configuration with ample rear load space
- Equipped with trailer hitch
- Deep-set alloy wheels with matching Bridgestone "AT" tires
Mechanical
- 2,746 cm³ in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine, 156 hp, electronic fuel injection
- 4-speed manual gearbox
- Normal all-wheel drive operation (with high/low modes)
- Original engine in good condition
- Easy starting and good operation according to owner
- No significant fluid leaks reported
- Vehicle described as "mechanically perfect" by seller
- Carefully maintained by a demanding previous owner and its current owner
- Extensive servicing by a Mercedes specialist (as detailed above)
This sale is subject to Car & Classic Conditions. By placing a bid and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you still benefit from Car & Classic's own General Terms and Conditions.
✓ We ask that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQ and GTC for specific fees.
✓ This vehicle is "Sold As Seen", on an "As Is Where Is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions serve as a guide and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's costs. VAT may or may not be included in the final auction or bid price, as indicated in the advert.
✓ We want a smooth transaction as much as you do and, as such, we have all UK-registered cars and motorcycles sold on Car & Classic checked via an HPI check to confirm that there are no markers in the insurance base for damage or theft, and that there is no outstanding finance, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as having been written out of use as part of a total loss when the ad goes live on Car & Classic, and helpfully provide loss category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to assist you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the condition of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for collecting the vehicle
or its delivery. Importing vehicles may involve additional customs duties and import taxes, so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidder's responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
