To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVEEstimate:
£25,000 - £35,000
- First series civilian delivery G-Wagen
- Short-wheelbase version delivered new to Italy in May of
1980
- Early painted dashboard and 'barn door' hatch
- Powered by 2.4-litre diesel engine
- Well optioned and highly original with "time capsule"
interior
- Showing just over 55,800 kilometers
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Please note that this lot will need to be collected from
Sant'agata, Italy.
Initially conceived and developed to be an off-road military
"terrain" vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen, or 'G-wagen,'
has evolved over the past 40 years into both status symbol and cult
classic amongst Mercedes aficionados worldwide. At the suggestion
of the Shah of Iran, who was a significant Mercedes shareholder,
the G-wagen was first developed and marketed as a 4x4 utility
vehicle with a host of military applications. Armed forces the
world over responded by outfitting their fleets with the rugged and
boxy German "go-anywhere" machines. In most markets, Mercedes-Benz
did not even brand the cars as their own, fearing the dilution of
their 'luxury' brand identity-instead, most examples were
emblazoned with Magna Steyr or Puch badges, both European firms
contracted to assemble the G-wagen.
The W460 was first series of G-wagens introduced for civilian use
and went on sale in September of 1979 in both short and
long-wheelbase forms with five different body styles available.
Delivered to Italy in May of 1980, this early short-wheelbase W460
is powered by its original 2.4-litre L4 diesel engine paired to a
four-speed manual transmission with a two-speed transfer case.
Nicely equipped from the factory, this 240 GD was finished in White
(9001) with desirable options such as power steering, "upgraded
version" interior, two-piece bumper, front towing coupling, swivel
spare wheel carrier, folding seats and more. Showing just over
55,800 kilometers on the odometer, this highly original example
still features its distinctive painted dashboard and 'barn door'
rear hatch.
The consignor reports the 240 GD retains its factory original "time
capsule" interior throughout, with the only addition being a period
correct Suunto inclinometer. In 2017, a complete respray of the
body was performed and the wheels were refinished to their correct
factory finishes. In addition, the engine and brakes on this 240 GD
were recently serviced, along with replacement of rubber suspension
parts as needed to enhance ride quality. Similarly, a new bonnet
insulation kit was installed, with the seller stating "this W460 is
now ready to drive" having successfully passed Italian road
inspection. Accompanied by a copy of its factory delivery
specifications and Italian registration documents, this classic,
rugged, and well-preserved W460 is a rare example of one of the
earliest civilian delivery G-wagens that perfectly combine
collectability, usability, and fun in one highly popular and
retro-chic 4x4 utility vehicle.
Should you want more information on the condition of this lot and
or discuss the possibility of an in-situ inspection, please contact
our office at
+44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or email Britta Buchmann
at
[email protected]To
view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf20.
