Mercedes-Benz G500 V8 Short-Wheelbase 4x4 Utility, 2001
Mercedes-Benz G-Class II (W463)
Mercedes-Benz G-Class II (W463)•
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Chassis No.: WDB4632402X122153
£33,666 GBP | Sold
- One of only nine G500 SWB models currently registered in the UK
- Rare AMG special edition
- Automatic transmission
- Circa 62,000 miles from new
- Offered from a private collection
Introduced as long ago as 1979, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class '
Geländewagen
' (cross-country vehicle) was the result of a joint venture with Steyr-Daimler-Puch of Austria, a firm with considerable experience in developing four-wheel-drive systems for off-road vehicles. Its purposeful appearance – fundamentally unchanged throughout its life – and engineering excellence has secured the 'G-Wagen' cult status and earned it a reputation as one of the most coveted of classic 4x4s.
Taking its cue from the rival Land Rover, the early G-Wagen was not luxurious by any means, featuring manually wound windows and fabric upholstery, but soon established a reputation for being able to traverse the most challenging terrain. This capability was emphatically demonstrated in 1983 when a 280GE crewed by Jacky Ickx and Claude Brasseur won what is arguably the toughest off-road event in the world: the Paris-Dakar Rally.
Early G-Wagens were powered by a variety of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, while three body styles were available: two-door hardtop, two-door convertible, and long-wheelbase four-door station wagon. For 1991 a revised (type 463) chassis was introduced, incorporating the very latest in off-road traction technology in the form of three electronically engaged differentials in addition to anti-lock brakes.
Cabin comfort had been improved in the late 1980s, but by the early 1990s Mercedes-Benz had recognised the growing market of 4x4 owners who valued style, luxury and power above ultimate off-road capability, and in 1993 introduced the limited-edition 500GE, a V8-powered model that took the G-Wagen into Range Rover territory. Although it lacked the front locking differential, only needed for the toughest going, the 500GE came with 240bhp on tap and a luxurious interior trimmed in burr walnut veneer and fine quality leather, which is just what its target market demanded.
After two years in production the 500GE disappeared from the range, returning in 1998 as the G500, again powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine.
One of only nine short-wheelbase variants currently registered in the UK, this G500 V8 is an AMG special edition - as evidenced by their plaque on the console - featuring special wing mirrors, up-rated brakes, xenon headlights, etc. Other noteworthy features include heated seats, sunroof, air conditioning, and iPod connectivity. Finished in Polar White with black leather interior, the car is described by the private vendor as in immaculate condition, running and driving superbly, having covered only some 62,000 miles from new. Offered from a private collection, this ultra-rare and exclusive Mercedes-Benz 4x4 is offered with a V5C document and 12 months MoT. The provision of later AMG wheels is the only notified deviation from factory specification.
Cost
163,718 AED
