1990 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

This 1990 Mercedes G-Wagen is a RHD two door 240 GD example that was manufactured in Austria in October 1990. It is believed to have been ordered for use by the Singapore Armed Forces, which is noted in a letter from Mercedes-Benz UK. It is understood that the G-Wagen was in use by the Singapore Armed Forces but it is suggested that it only covered less that 3,600km in that time, so was considered surplus equipment.

The G-Wagen was purchased by the current owner in 2022 after it was imported to the UK by a specialist importer. They had plans to use the standout military 4x4 for fun trips out in the summer and to take it to local shows, but that hasn’t materialised so they have now offered it for sale.

It is actually quite refreshing to see a Mercedes G-Wagen in its original intended form and this example certainly looks the part in military green.

The paintwork is rugged as one would expect for a military 4x4 that has seen some use but the overall condition presents well. Given that it is 34 years old, there are marks and scratches around the vehicle. And there is an area of rust where moisture has collected along the right side body strip. The left side appears to be in much better shape.

Heavy duty bumpers with tow hook points, guards for the headlights and indicators plus a grill nudge bar set off the practical non-nonsense military look. Round the back there is the customary spot for the military style fuel can and a Steyr-Daimler-Puch fitted tow hitch.

And thanks to the German 4x4’s deployment in the warm climate of the far east, the G-Wagen features canvas doors and a canvas roof. The canvas roof is starting to show some signs of age with some of the fixing clasps starting to deteriorate. Both of the two plastic side screens has come away and the rear roll up screen is also starting to come unstuck. There are also a few nicks and tears in the roof, which are shown in the photos. The driver's canvas door is in good shape and the passenger's has some tape repairs which are shown in the photos.

The front windscreen does fold down. However, due to the condition of the roof straps, this was not done doing the photoshoot.

The G-Wagen is fitted with a matching set of Michelin 4x4 tyres. These have plenty of thread left as does the rear mounted spare.

As one would expect for a military 4x4 from this era, there isn’t much in the way of creature comforts inside this G-Wagen. Everything appears to be in place with the driver's and passenger seats in good condition. Front seat belts are also installed.

There are a number of switches and levers on the dashboard which were likely for military uses. It is not known what they were used for so they have not been tested.

All the gauges in the dashboard appear to work as they should and the speedometer is currently showing 3,600km.

It looks like a trip gauge was installed in the radio slot, which possibly recorded the journeys made by the G-Wagen when out on patrol. The gauge currently reads 5,892 which could refer to miles, kilometres or hours.

Behind the 4 speed manual gearbox and the 4x4 differential gear selector is a storage bracket which was probably where soliders stored their rifles.

In the back there is seating for two with lap belts installed for safety. The right side rear seat has a small nick in the base which is shown in the photos, but apart from that they are in decent condition. There is also a large metal storage box for supplies and ammunition. The lid for the storage box retains its Mercedes Lubrication Chart for the 240 GD, which also notes the Singapore Armed Forces on the label.

Under the bonnet of the military 4x4 resides the rugged Mercedes 2.4 litre four cylinder diesel engine. This fuel injected engine has been in use by Mercedes for decades and is noted for its reliability and torque. It certainly won’t win any races up against its younger V8 Biturbo sibling, but it will certainly be more frugal!

The engine bay presents well with some signs of age related wear. During the photoshoot the G-Wagen started promptly and both idled and manoeuvred well. The owner notes that the 4x4 is fitted with a reversing beacon, which we can confirm works as intended and it will alert everyone in the Waitrose car park of your manoeuvring intentions.

The owner states that the Mercedes was serviced when they acquired it in 2022. They estimate it has only covered a few hundred miles or so since.

On the underside the Mercedes G-Wagen appears to be in sound condition with the chassis undersealed. Some of this underseal has flaked away in a couple of areas on the body and there is an area of what appears to be surface corrosion around one of the interior drainage holes.

Both front and rear diffs look to be dry and free from major leaks.

A heavy metal duty guard is fitted to protect the front and underside of the engine area. There are some chips to the outer skin of the fuel tank, which is possibly its outer layer of protective resin, but it doesn’t appear to have affected the tank itself.

There is very little history with the G-Wagen with the exception of the letter from Mercedes-Benz UK confirming its build date and destination to Singapore. The owner did find a map in the 4x4 which suggested the patrol route it may have took when it was employed by the Singapore Armed Forces. The owner also found a receipt for fuel which is included in the history file.

The G-Wagen comes with a current MOT certificate valid until November 2024. Also on file is the V5C and some documentation related to its import to the UK and its subsequent registration with the DVLA.

The owner notes that the G-Wagen is currently on SORN and has been driven on a private road.

There is something very appealing about seeing a Mercedes G-Wagen in its original intended role. To actually see a genuine military version in all its pared-back utilitarian form is quite rare especially here in the UK. The Austrian-built 4x4 has always been hailed as a dependable and reliable off-roader, one that can more than hold its own against other utility vehicles. And the fact that this example has seen service with the Singapore Armed Forces would really make it a stand out military 4x4 to take to the local car shows and meets. We think this rare utilitarian G-Wagen will sell for £17,000-£22,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.