1980 Mercedes 280GE TO 300D Specifications

The Audrain Concours Auction|30 September 2022, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame

1980 Mercedes 280GE TO 300D Specifications
Chassis no. 460 233 17 007105

2998cc SOHC Diesel Inline 5-Cylinder (see text)
Bosch Direct Injection
87bhp at 4,400rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Solid Front and Rear Axle
Front Disc and Rear Drum Brakes

*Desirable 1st series example
*Fully equipped with off road equipment
*An original 280GE uprated to 300GD spec
*Heavily upgrade to optimize off road performance

THE GELÄNDEWAGEN

Introduced in 1979, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class 'Geländewagen' (tough terrain vehicle) was the result of a joint venture with Steyr-Daimler-Puch, 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, making it 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.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This specific vehicle started its life out as a 280GE, which stands for the 2.8L inline 6-cylinder gas engine that originally powered this vehicle. Since then, the vehicle has undergone a complete frame off restoration and engine swap over in Europe, where the vehicle has spent its whole life up until 2021 when it was imported over to the United States. In this restoration process the vehicle got a new powerplant in the 3.0L OM617 inline 5-cylinder diesel, which was an engine option for the G-Wagen back in 1980 that is known for its dependability. The vehicle has subsequently been updated with 300GD badges to properly reflect the engine change. This diesel powerplant is also mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. The G waged received a full body repaint finished in a white bedliner helping to give this vehicle a striking appearance. Other additions to this vehicle to add to its off-road capabilities is a full roof rack that is outfitted with LED lights on all 4 sides, an axe, a shovel, and on top sits a brand new Autohome Columbus rooftop tent. The tent still has the original wrapping, and it easily retracts up and down making it easy to setup and store away. A ladder on the back of the vehicle gives you access to the tent.

Other off-road accessories include a fully functional snorkel, a remote operated spotlight, and a full brush guard. The vehicle also features front, center, and rear locking differentials as well as a dual range transfer case. The vehicle sits on 16" black Mercedes-Benz wheels that are paired with 285/75R16 (~33") BF Goodrich KO2 A/T tires. All of these features help to make it easy for this vehicle to go anywhere.

The interior, this G-Wagen features two bucket seats up front and a full bench seat in the second row. In the trunk of the vehicle are two bench seats that sit on the side of the vehicle that face each other. Additional interior equipment include driver's side power window, CB radio, JVC CD player, aftermarket navigation system, and front and rear cameras. The vehicle has only driven a bit over 2,000 miles since the restoration.

The combination of this vehicle's mechanics and its added modifications make this G-Wagen both collectible and adventure ready. Being that Mercedes did not directly sell the G-Wagens in the United States till the 2000s, all earlier examples, like this one, have been imported making this vehicle a rare sight. Add in its frame off restoration and other modifications made to it, and you will have a hard time finding another vehicle truly like this one.

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