Sometimes it’s tough to remember that there was a
time when the Mercedes G-Class was considered a raw utility vehicle that could
tackle almost any obstacle instead of a status symbol. Until you come across
this gorgeous military-spec W461 pickup truck and it all comes back.
This is a 1993 250GD W461, the very rare single-cab
pickup truck version of the G-Class, created mainly for military use. It’s
powered by the virtually indestructible OM602 five-cylinder diesel that’s
paired to a four-speed manual gearbox with a low range transfer box.
The seller has added a turbo kit which supposedly
“makes a huge difference in power”, along with a bigger pump. Four-wheel drive
is of course present, as are locking differentials on both axles. Despite being an ex-army vehicle,
the truck appears to be in a truly excellent condition, with all the body
panels arrow straight and not a hint of rust anywhere. Of course the relatively
low (for its age) mileage might have to do something with that, as the truck
has covered just 38,663 km.
The spartan interior is worlds apart from what the
G-Class gets these days, but it’s got a totally different kind of appeal: the
seats are finished in hard-wearing vinyl, the door cards are as plain as they
can get, while if you want music for the road, you’d better start singing or
use your smartphone – there’s no radio installed. The only concession to
creature comforts is an under-dash air-conditioning system.
The long bed comes with three drop-down sides and
there’s a spare wheel mounted between it and the cab. A set of original 16-inch
steel wheels wrapped in off-road ready tires complete the original looks.
Arguable the most utilitarian iterations of the
G-Class, this 250GD, which is located in Utah, is offered for sale on eBay for
a rather cool US$ 62,000. Sure, you can always get a brand new Jeep Gladiator, but
that’s nowhere near as exclusive (or heritage-rich) as the Merc.
