2010/2023 GXV Global Traveller 1989 Mercedes 1017A 4x4 :: Featured Classified

If you’re looking at this listing, then chances are you know that building a rig like this with GXV (Global Expedition Vehicles) will set you back in excess of half a million dollars. Subsequently, at $295,000, today’s offering represents impressive value, especially considering that it has been extensively uprated since the original build. The foundation is a legendary 1989 (registered in the US as 2010 model) Mercedes 1017A 4×4 (34,xxx miles), which boasts an exceptionally long-lived OM352 motor, a heavy-duty 4WD system (with rear locker), and is engineered from the factory with field serviceability in mind (this was previously a German army firetruck, which accounts for the low mileage and meticulous service records). This makes the build a unicorn, since North American expedition truck builders ordinarily opt for modern full-size platforms from the likes of Ford, GMC, and Chevrolet. This is significant since while these alternatives provide elevated driving refinement, they’re not ideally suited to the rigors of around-the-world exploration due to their complicated electronics and sensitive fuel systems. Alternatively, the 1017A will run on high- or low-sulphur diesel (and biodiesel), is field serviceable, and enjoys access to Mercedes fabled global dealership/service network. This function first chassis is balanced with a no-expense-spared habitation box that’s four-season ready and features a huge 1,000+ amp-hour lithium battery system, climate control, 125 gallons of freshwater with multi-stage filtration, a wet bathroom, and a generously equipped galley kitchen. It’s a winning formula that delivers uncompromising capability and dependability for the world’s toughest adventures, while providing the liveability associated with a modern luxury apartment. It’s also worth noting that this truck has been meticulously maintained and includes more than $3,000 in spare parts.

From the Seller:

“This expedition truck would be perfect for exploring the Pan-American Highway, and boasts the famously reliable OM352 motor as used in the 3rd generation Unimog. It’s extremely capable off-road with permanent all-wheel drive, a short wheel-base on 47-inch super-single wheels, and locking rear and center differentials. It has 22 inches of ground clearance without the complexity of portal axles, and no electronics in the engine—which runs equally well on North American ULSD as well as higher sulfur content diesel usually sold in most of South America. There’s no DEF, DPF, or EGR, which massively improves engine life and gas mileage—close to 11 mpg on average. It has a turbo charger for easier high-elevation starts, and both a diesel hydronic engine pre-heater and an electric engine block heater that can be plugged into the house batteries on especially cold mornings. The 2010 alder wood build-out of the original habitat was removed and completely renovated using strong but lightweight honeycomb composite, along with a modern electrical system using Victron and Battle Born components. GXV is also extremely supportive of its owners. I know that they still hold a full set of spare keys in case of emergencies, and have access to an incredible worldwide support network if you need help locating parts or mechanics.”

Mercedes 1017A 4×4

The 1017A is fitted with a 5.7-liter OM 352 turbocharged diesel motor that produces 168 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque (up to 3,000 miles of range provided via a 285-gallon fuel tank). An ultra-dependable motor is matched with impressive capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, center and rear locking differentials, front and rear winches, solid axles, armor, and a heavy-duty lifted suspension. Inside these rugged backcountry attributes are balanced with the following driver comforts:

Kalori 24-volt air-conditioning unit
Premium Alpine stereo system with Kenwood 8-inch subwoofers (2) and a Bluetooth soundbar
Digital rear view mirror/camera
Scheel-Mann driver and passenger seats
Kleinne air horn with auxiliary compressor
Auxiliary gauges to monitor exhaust and transmission temp, fuel, turbo boost, and 12- and 24-volt battery levels
Marine-grade vinyl flooring, new door skins, and repainted headliner
Power steering
USB and 12-volt power outlets
sPod control panel for lighting, air compressor, and accessories
weBoost cell phone booster

Distinguishing Features

Below is a selection of notable highlights. Reference the original listing for full details:

GXV Global Traveller habitation box with full interior rebuild using lightweight honeycomb cabinetry, Seitz dual pane acrylic windows (5), Dometic skylights with bug screens and blackout shades (3), Natura opening wall panel, garage area, cab passthrough, permanent entry ladder and pull out stairs, Lizard skin ceramic heat shield and sound dampening, and more
Super single wheels with Michelin XZL tires (5)
Freshwater, 125 gallons, with Isotemp hydronic coolant heater (also preheats engine) and Guzzle H20 3-stage water filtration
Wet bathroom with stainless steel sink, shower, Thetford cassette toilet, mirror, and teak medicine cabinet, counter, and shower floor slats
Climate control with Webasto EVO heater with high altitude control, Penguin2 1,1oo BTU air-conditioning, and a MaxxAir fan with rain-sensing autoclosure (and exterior shower)
Air compressors (2) with auxiliary tank
Marine-grade house battery system with 1,080 amp hours of Battle Born lithium batteries, 760 watts of GoPower solar panels, 5,000-watt Victron inverter, DC to DC charger, Victron GX color display monitor, marine-grade wiring and components, Fischer Panda diesel generator, and shore power connections
Front and rear Sherpa winches with synthetic rope and remote
Custom front bumper and bull bar
Rooftop storage platform
Aluminum rear storage boxes (2) and rear tire carrier
Kitchen with microwave/convection oven, stainless steel sink with sprayer faucet, Vitrifrigo DW210 fridge/freezer, slide-out pantry, dining booth seating for 4 (and outdoor slide-out Partner Steel 2-burner cooktop)
Bluetooth 12-volt smart TV with remote
Side-mounted recovery tracks
Residential queen-size mattress with underbed storage, USB charging ports, and pull-out folding access stairs

This 2010/2023 GXV Global Traveller Mercedes 1017A 4×4 is listed for $295,000 and is currently located in La Junta, Colorado. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.