There are a select few vehicles I’d consider in the same league as the Toyota Land Cruiser, and the G-Wagon is one of them. I’m not referring to recent models, which are little more than a mall-crawling status symbol. Steyr-Daimler-Puch developed the original Geländewagon in Austria, and Mercedes sold it as a military off-roader. Thanks to a body-on-frame design, heavy-duty 4WD system, and high and low range, it’s a formidable go-anywhere vehicle. It could be specified with front, center, and rear lockers (watch the capability of this classic 4WD on the TFL Offroad YouTube channel). If you’d like to know more about the G-Wagon’s benefits, check out Scott Brady’s review of the beautiful Geländewagen Entdecker. The G-Wagon is a very desirable platform for round-the-world travel. However, they’re rare, and we’ve only featured a handful over the years, including this 1983 G-Wagon, a 1993 230GE high-roof camper, and a modern 2007 G55. If you’d like a better idea of how this platform can be outfitted for adventure, you can read Ashley Giordano’s feature piece on 4×4 Panda’s 1998 290 GD Mercedes G-Wagon. Today’s 1994 example showcases a super dependable OM603 turbo diesel motor, basic camper conversion, and tasteful modifications, and it is priced at $39,000. 

From the Seller:

“Gunther Holtorf set a world record for the longest road trip, driving a similar (W460) diesel G-Wgon for 26 years, visiting 215 countries, and covering 560,000 miles with no mechanical breakdowns. He inspired me to get this truck. I’ve had it for about six years. I had the engine swapped and built out a camper. During and before COVID, I drove it through most of the national parks and had lots of awesome adventures.”

1994 Mercedes G Wagon

The G Wagon is fitted with an OM603 6-cylinder turbo diesel motor that produces 150 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. An exceptionally long-lived engine is mated with legendary go-anywhere performance thanks to a heavy-duty 4WD system, body-on-frame design, high and low range, locking rear differential, snorkel, and more. Inside, the G Wagen is designed to be utilitarian and is devoid of all but the bare essential driver comforts. It’s worth noting that this is a rare LWB version known as a “Kastenwagen,” which makes it the ideal blank canvas for a pop-up or high-top roof and lightweight camper conversion. 

Distinguishing Features

• Webasto diesel heater 
• James Baroud awning
• BFGoodrich KO2 tires
• Victron inverter and DC-to-DC charger
• Roof rack 

This 1994 Mercedes G Wagon is listed for $39,000 and is currently located in Seattle, Washington. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.

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