This 1993 Mercedes-Benz G Wagon W461 station wagon is said to be one of only nine imported to the United States, dating from an era long before the G Wagon (later known as the G-Class) became a luxury status symbol. when it was still a military-spec off-roader.
This rare pickup truck variant seats two up front in an air-conditioned cabin, has a rear tray in the back with flip-down sides and a folding rear for easy cargo access, and is powered by a turbodiesel engine of 2.9 liters. .
Quick Facts: The Mercedes-Benz G Wagon W461
- The Mercedes-Benz G Wagon, now officially known as the G-Class, is an all-terrain vehicle produced by the German manufacturer since 1979.
- The W461 variant of the G Wagon was introduced in 1992 with an updated chassis and revised front end. The W461 was developed for military and industrial use, while the W463 model was produced in parallel as a civilian-oriented model.
- The G Wagon has undergone several updates and improvements over the years, but its iconic square shape and utilitarian exterior design have remained largely unchanged. Newer models have added a host of luxury features and high-performance engines.
- The example you see in this article is a less common station wagon variant of the G Wagon, a rare vehicle on American roads and now benefiting from a complete restoration.
Building a Better G Wagon: The W461
By the late 1980s, the Mercedes-Benz G Wagon was starting to show its age. The original W460 model had been developed in the mid-1970s and launched in 1979, intended for military use and first suggested to Mercedes by the Shah of Iran, then a major shareholder in the German carmaker.
This is a less common pick-up variant of the W461, the three outer sides of the load tray fold down for easy access and there is a spare wheel mounted behind the cab.
Mercedes realized that there was a demand for two main variants of the G Wagon design, one for military and heavy industrial uses and the other intended for civilians. They were given the model designations W461 and W463 respectively and their popularity is such that both remain in production to this day.
The civilian W463 had made its debut in 1989, no one knew it at the time, but the model would become one of the most distinctive and desirable luxury SUVs in the world within a few years, and the subject of countless rap songs.
The military W461 was launched in 1992 to replace the original W460 which had ceased production in 1991. The W463 was significantly updated under the surfaces, while retaining the rugged look that made the G Wagon recognizable in the instant
The bodywork from the previous W460 was carried over largely unchanged and used in the new W461, but the chassis underneath was significantly updated, the powertrains improved and the interiors noticeably improved.
Inside the cabin there are seats for two people, it also has air conditioning, a more modern stereo and power steering.
This newly updated G Wagon proved popular with military buyers in Europe and around the world, it was also widely used in other roles such as rural fire fighting, search and rescue, oil exploration, forestry and as national park ranger patrol vehicles.
Civilian buyers for the model exist, but almost all of them are obtained second-hand, often as military surplus, and there is a booming market for them.
Shown here is the 1993 Mercedes G Wagon
As noted in the introduction, this G Wagon is perhaps a little more special than most. It is one of nine that were imported to the US and has the rarest pickup truck body style. The odometer now reads 35,000 miles, which is quite low for a vehicle of this age.
This is the Mercedes 2.9 liter turbodiesel engine, it is known for its toughness and longevity, and provides adequate power for both off-road and on-road use.
Now benefiting from a full body restoration, it is powered by the Mercedes 2.9-litre turbodiesel engine, a power unit renowned for its longevity, and power is returned through a 5-speed transmission and a dual range transfer case. rear wheels only or all four wheels.
During the restoration, the vehicle received a new coat of military-style olive green paint, has a pipe, a roof rack, a front skid plate, headlight guards and an ax mounted on the roof rack for case
Inside the cabin you’ll find two green vinyl upholstered seats with headrests, the steering wheel is on the left side as you’d expect for an official import example, and it has air conditioning and a newer stereo unit.
The styling of the G Wagen has proven popular in both military and civilian guise in the luxurious W463 variant.
Under the hood you’ll find a dual battery setup, common in more serious four-wheel drives, and it has an upgraded intake system. The rear of the tray has three hinged sides for easy loading and unloading, there is a spare wheel mounted behind the cab and there is a hitch on the rear.
This G Wagon is now due to go on the auction block with Mecum at the end of March, if you want to read more about it or register to bid you can visit the listing here.
Images courtesy of Mecum
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