The Gelandewagen, or G-Class model, were originally developed as a military vehicle, designed for off-road and rough terrains starting in 1972 by an agreement between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch. The first drivable prototype by Mercedes-Benz was tested in 1974 on the most rugged of terrains available including German coalfields, the Sahara Desert, and the Artic Circle. After proving itself worthy on the rough off roads, and several years of further development and successful military contracts, the production for civilian version of the first Gelandewagen, commonly referred to as G-Wagen, finally began in 1979 in Graz, Austria. Known for its boxy style and body-on-frame construction, it gained international attention in 1980 when Mercedes-Benz built the iconic Popemobile based on a 230G cabriolet. Civilian use bought with it some major refinements, and by 1981 features included air conditioning, an available automatic transmission, auxiliary fuel tank, and protective headlamp grilles. The G-Class received a facelift when celebrating its 10-year anniversary and debuted at the Frankfurt International Motor show showing off its new model with permanent 4-wheel drive, upgraded with wood trim interior, and optional Anti-lock Braking system.
Civilian models of the G-Class were referred to as the Wolf and outfitted with diesel engines designed for toughness, reliability, and longevity. Engine power was never much of a concern as speed wasn't considered a priority which was one reason Mercedes-Benz never officially exported the beginning G-Class's to the United States because it was considered more of a utility vehicle that didn't fit the image Mercedes-Benz wanted their luxury cars to uphold in the States. Reputation along with stiffer regulations by the USA made it more difficult and expensive to import these vehicles in smaller quantities and very few made it through the tightening loopholes. With a growing demand, and almost no supply of these off-road masterpieces, stopping the import of them wouldn't last long and in 2001 a new model was finally released for overseas sales.
Offered here is a fully restored 1991 Mercedes-Benz 250GD Wolf finished in a clean Ivory White paint with a Brown vinyl interior with wood on the floor and side panel trims of the rear. Inside the boxy frame sits its factory-issued 2.5 Liter OM 602.930 inline 5-cylinder diesel engine rated at 94 horsepower paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. This G-Wagen made its journey from Poland in early 2019 and was licensed in Pennsylvania with only 18,942 kilometers. It began a meticulous restoration by the well-known Expedition Motor Company, considered the best in the business for Mercedes G-Class restorations being their absolute specialty. With no part overlooked this 250GD was entirely stripped down to the nut and bolt level and put back together with several improvements over the original. The rebuilding process included a full engine, gearbox, and transfer case rebuild. The suspension features new springs, shock absorbers, urethane bushings, and new tie rod ends. A complete frame off restoration that the Expedition Motor Company has down to an exact science taking 1450-man hours to perform and they document the process with many photos available.
After its restoration, this 250GD Wolf was sold and titled in Missouri later in 2019. The new owner enjoying it for only 4,567 kilometers before it was purchased by our museum. The current odometer reading shows 23,509 kilometers. The Expedition Motor Company restoration is extremely thorough and turns these G-Wagens into brand new vehicles but keeps the iconic old-style look. This 250GD features full time AWD with a high & low option, locking differentials, front disc brakes with rear drums, EMC front bumper with Dragon winch, EMC front brush guard, full soft top & a bikini top, clear front lamp indicators, lamp guards front & rear, snorkel air intake, an under-hood shovel, rear-mounted Jerry can, Blaupunkt speakers and BF Goodrich All Terrain tires measuring 265/75/16 in front and rear. This sought-after generation of G-Wagens restored to this level start at around $154,000 with customers waiting up to a year for their completed vehicle. With such low miles and a fresh restoration, this Mercedes-Benz presents an immediate opportunity to hit the road and take you wherever the road ends. Thank you for your interest and please call with any questions or come to our museum for a closer look!
