1985 Mercedes-Benz 280GE LWB

1985 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 280GE Description

The Mercedes-Benz "Gelandewagen" needs no introduction, but for those that aren't completely familiar with the story, here's the short version. Well before civilians caught on to the "G-Wagen”, it started as a four-wheel drive development project with contract developer and manufacturer, Steyr-Daimler-Puch in the early 1970s. The project, which was said to lack momentum, took off when the Shah of Iran (a major Mercedes-Benz shareholder at the time) suggested Mercedes fulfill a staggering 20,000 units. From this point forward, the Gelandewagen could be found wrestling through impossible off-road situations or lending assistance to various military units around the globe.
The Graz, Austria-based, Magna-Steyr (previously Steyr-Daimler-Puch) continues to hand-assemble the Gelandewagen/G-class for Mercedes-Benz even today. With a major revamp said to be around the corner, the original "W460" chassis civilian G-Wagens are even more appealing. Much more faithful to the original design, they lack the complicated electrics present in our current G-Class and provide more of that old-world, high quality feel that made Mercedes-Benz famous.
This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 280GE was imported into the United States in 2013 through the 25-year exemption and is fully road legal. Purchased from well-known Dutch Gelandewagen experts at G-Zuna (www.g-zuna.nl), this 280GE offers real-world usability with its durable, fuel-injected, twin-cam inline six-cylinder engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Trail-ready, this 280GE also handles highway and urban environments much more effectively than the Land Rover Series trucks and Defenders of the period.
Dressed in a black metallic exterior color with timeless, plaid cloth on black leather, this truck shows nicely and has clearly lived a good life during its stay in Europe. Showing only 81,518 km (or 50,653 miles) the truck appears to have only seen very limited use over the past 32 years. It's believed to have been repainted at some point, and its current finish shows only minimal evidence of use and some minor corrosion (typical with W460s) still in a manageable state, should one choose to correct. These areas are pictured in gallery.
Mechanically, the 280GE drives as it should and was was recently checked out by the experts at a trusted, vintage Mercedes-Benz independent shop who only found the following areas eventually requiring attention:
-Left front axle "swivel ball" slowly leaking grease-Slight fluid leak from back of transmission
A well-appointed W460, this 280GE uses the top-spec, "M110" gasoline engine and is equipped with 4-speed automatic transmission, front and rear electric windows, factory air conditioning and desirable, fold-down bench seats in cargo area. The original stereo was updated with a JVC radio with AM/FM/CD changer.
These early, W460 Gelandewagens are a rare site in the United States and their obscurity makes them conversation starters wherever you go. With its engine and transmission configuration the truck offers real-world usability and makes a perfect companion for making memories with friends and family.
This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 280GE LWB is available for immediate inspection in a climate-controlled garage in Charlotte, North Carolina, 15 mins from CLT. Pre-purchase inspections are strongly encouraged.