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Mercedes 280 GE Wagon
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Mercedes 280 GE Wagon | £17,995
Mileage: 79,691Model History
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class or G-Wagen (as it was called from 1979 to 1994), short for Geländewagen (or cross-country vehicle), is a four-wheel drive vehicle / sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Steyr-Puch (now Magna Steyr) in Austria for German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The G-wagen is characterized by its boxy styling and body-on-frame construction. It uses three fully locking differentials, one of the few vehicles to have such a feature. Despite the introduction of an intended replacement, the unibody crossover SUV Mercedes-Benz GL-Class in 2006, the G-Class is still in production and is the longest produced Mercedes-Benz in Daimler's history, with a span of 32 years.
Development started in 1972, focusing on off road abilities and maximum safety and comfort; with a cooperative agreement between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch in Graz, Austria. Mercedes-Benz engineers in Stuttgart were in charge of design and testing, while the team in Graz developed the production plans. The first wooden model was presented to Daimler-Benz management in 1973, with the first drivable prototype beginning various testing including German coalfields, the Sahara Desert and the Arctic Circle in 1974. Construction commenced on a new production facility in Graz, where the new cross-country vehicle would be assembled nearly entirely by hand in 1975 with production of the "G Model" beginning in Graz in 1979. In 1980, the Vatican took delivery of a specially made G-Wagen outfitted with a clear thermoplastic top which served as the Popemobile. The "Papa G" later took up permanent residence at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
The first major refinements were introduced in 1981, including an automatic transmission, air conditioning, an auxiliary fuel tank, protective headlamp grilles and a cable winch. Fuel injection became available in 1982 when the 230 GE was introduced in Turin along with more comfortable and supportive front seats, auxiliary heating, wider tires and fender flares. For 1985, differential locks, central door locking and a tachometer become standard for the petrol models and in 1986 50,000th G Models had been produced.
The original 460-series Geländewagen went on sale for civilian buyers in 1979, after having debuted in February of that year. It was offered with two wheelbases, a short wheelbase (SWB) of 2,400 mm and a long one (LWB) of 2,850 mm. One could choose between three body styles: A two-door short wheelbase convertible, a two-door SWB wagon and a LWB four-door wagon. The 460 was popular with military and off-road enthusiasts with more than 50,000 built in the first decade.
This particular 1990 example represents the last of the line of G wagons in the original 460 guise, before being face lifted later that year. Ordered in stunning Signal Red paintwork with the luxurious M110 2.8 Litre straight six cylinder fuel injected engine coupled to a 4 speed automatic gearbox and with desirable options such as the full wood interior package.
Equipment
Grey Check Cloth Seats, Electric Windows, Central Locking, Original Blaupunkt stereo, Upgraded Optional Sportline Alloy wheels, Full Interior Wood Package, Headlamp Guards, Genuine Mercedes Bull Bar, 4 Speed Automatic Gearbox, Leather Wood Steering Wheel.
Exterior
It is very hard to describe this G wagon as anything other than new show car condition. The gleaming Signal Red paintwork is completely unmarked throughout and is as fresh as the day the car sat in the Mercedes Benz Lancaster showroom. The satin black wheel arches, bumpers and Bull Bar are unblemished and look as though they have seen no time on or off the road. It is a credit to the last owner the lengths that they have gone too to ensure this G wagon looks both completely original and new. The G280 side Badges and the Mercedes Benz boot badge were showing some signs of wear (due to over polishing!) so new replacement parts were shipped from Mercedes Benz Germany.
G wagons have a huge following and it is common place for owners to modify their cars and fit random facelift and non-Mercedes parts to cover the signs of wear and tear and the ravages of age. This is where this pampered G280 stands apart from the plethora of messed around cars, thanks to its' Mercedes Benz purist ownership.
Beauty is not skin deep here and the new owner will be delighted to know that this imposing vehicle looks as good underneath as it does on the bodywork. The original signal red paint is still present and vibrant under the wheel arches and the underside of the car. The chassis is painted in gleaming black rust proof paint to offer protection wherever this unstoppable vehicle marauds. The exposed chassis can be seen clearly from the outside of the car and is very much part of a G wagons appeal. When opening the door to climb in the driver is greeted with the feeling that they getting aboard a brand new adult size Tonka toy.
This show condition example still has the original supplying Mercedes Benz Lancaster rear screen transfer and matching number plate's front and rear.
Interior
The G wagon's cabin is in timewarp condition. The seats show no signs of wear and the carpets are perfect and unmarked conditon. The car has never been smoked in and the front and rear ashtrays are unused. In fact, the car actually smells like a new Mercedes.
The dashboard is clad with stylish walnut wood and is tastefully complemented by the addition of a genuine Mercedes G wagon walnut wood and leather steering wheel supplied from Germany. This is the only minor enhancement to this as new G wagon which deviates from the factory specification. The original steering wheel is available should the new owner want it.
The headlining is unmarked to compliment the rest of the immaculate interior. The only sign of use is on the rear boot overmat that has been caught in the boot door at somepoint. This car still carries the factory fitted Blaupunkt stereo.
Engine & Transmission
This example has only covered a mere 79,000 miles and has an impeccable full service history to back up the mileage, so as you would expect it is in perfect mechanical order. The car has just been serviced by reputable Mercedes Specialist SS Motors of Weybridge. This work included a cleaning of the fuel system, a lubrication service and a multipoint inspection. The car passed its MOT in August 2013 with no advisories.
The six cylinder fuel injected engine is the pick of the bunch and produces silky smooth performance at speed and idles perfectly up to temperature. The 4 speed automatic gearbox feels light and accurate shifting through the gears and makes the big G wagon cruise along effortlessly. Quite simply this feels like driving a new G Wagon.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
The upgraded Sportline alloys have been refurbished to as new condition and are shod in matching Marshall tyres. The front and rear brakes are in perfect working condition and make little effort to bring this stunning 4 x 4 to a standstill.
History File
The G280 was originally ordered by Lancaster Mercedes Benz Hertfordshere as their managing director's car who used it for 4 months when it was sold to its last owner. Initially, the vehicle was registered to his company and in May 2005 he transferred it into his private name. As the vehicle was run through his company it wanted for nothing and was maintained impeccably, predominately by Mercedes Benz main dealers. The car has had 14 services as stamped in the original service book.
The owner took the vehicle off the road in 2007 where it remained covered in his heated garage until being recommisioned earlier this year.
In addition to the original service book the car also comes with the original leather wallet, Original sales brochure, owner's manual, Original Blaupunkt Cambridge Audio manual, Original Mercedes Benz Touring Guarantee book, Workshop directory Europe, and UK Dealer directories. It even has the original business card from the salesman who sold the car back in 1990!