1990 Mercedes-Benz 280GE

First registered on the 18th of May 1990, this automatic W460 is fitted with the 2.7-litre inline-six petrol engine that develops 156bhp and 167lb/ft of torque, enough to give it a top speed of 103mph after passing 60mph in 14 seconds.

This old soldier has been brought bang up to date with a set of 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, sidesteps, a twin side-exit exhaust, leather seats and a high-end Alpine sound system.

In the care of the vendor since 2013 (the longest he’s ever kept a car, incidentally), it is offered with a vast array of service stamps and a long MOT. Only for sale because he wants to buy a newer model, this is a reluctant sale of a much-loved member of the family.

The G-Wagen was fully resprayed in 2004 by White City Coachworks, at which time it appears to have received a large number of new bits and bobs including trim clips, light lenses, and badges.

It still looks smart and striking from a few yards away but is starting to deteriorate and could do with some remedial work here and there.

The vendor states that the 20-inch AMG alloy wheels (from a G55 apparently) set the vendor back almost £4,000 including the tyres which are matching 275/50R20 Yokohama Advan STs.

As we will never tire of explaining, our experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

Work to do? Well, aside from the usual stonechips and marks that any vehicle of this age will sport, the bases of the door mirrors need some attention, some of the rubber window seals are perished, and a front indicator repeater lens has come adrift.

More seriously, the G-Wagen does have some corrosion in the usual places such as underneath the wheel arch trims, and the rear including the bumper, door and rear quarter panels. This isn’t a comprehensive list and while it hasn’t attracted the attention of the MOT tester yet, it does need catching sooner rather than later.

The vendor junked part of the G-Wagen’s original interior, replacing the front and middle seats with second-hand AMG-branded black leather items instead. They’re in a decent condition, although the outer edge of the driver’s seat is a little frayed.

The four side-facing rearmost seats are finished in the same attractive checked pattern as the door cards. The headlining is in a good condition, and while the door cards and carpets are serviceable, they could do with some tidying up.

A high-end Alpine head unit has been fitted, along with speakers from the same company and a Kenwood sub-woofer in the boot. The latter is not bolted down, so could be removed very easily should the new owner prefer to keep the area clear. An aftermarket reversing camera and immobiliser have also been fitted along with some carbonfibre-effect wrap to the dashboard.

Work to do includes sorting out the nearside front electric window, which doesn’t work. The instrument cluster and the top of the dashboard have been covered in a foam-type cloth. The rear window tint is damaged and peeling in places, too.

The engine bay is purposeful rather than pretty but if this kind of thing bothers you then there’s plenty of space under there for the removal and refitting of components and bracketry for refurbishing.

The G-Wagen drives as it should but there is some rubbing/grinding on steering lock, which we think is a result of the new, wider alloy wheels. This will need investigation.

The underside does show some signs of rust and corrosion, especially at the back; investigation may be required to ascertain if it serious or not.

Its servicing history is impressive, comprising:

• 30.05.1990 and 861 miles – first inspection

• 04.12.1990 and 8,283 miles – service

• 05.11.1991 and 21,510 miles – service

• 14.05.1992 and 91,496 miles – service

• 02.04.1998 and 94,935 miles – service

• 13.10.1998 and 98,108 miles – service

• 24.04.2004 and 125,041 miles – service

• 01.04.2006 and 132,244 miles – service

• 10.08.2006 and 132,381 miles – service

• 01.06.2008 and 136,205 miles – oil service plus front offside brake caliper, pads and fluid

• 22.05.2009 and 140,000 – service

• 03.2010 and 145,766 miles - service plus front brake pads, fluid and a steering damper

• 14.04.2011 and 151,444 miles – service plus rear brake service, rear springs plus front and rear diff and transfer case oil change

• 03.2012 and 155,000 miles – engine overhaul comprising pistons, valves, seals, coolant and hoses plus setting up and a full service

• 12.12.2018 and 174,354 miles - service

The engine was replaced with an exchange unit in 2003, work that cost almost £4,000.

There is also a receipt for overhauling the gearbox in 2004; the bill for this, plus some other fettling, came to around £3,000. It also had a four-figure sum spent on the fuel injection system and a couple of other areas in 2005.

March 2018 saw a new starter motor being fitted, and the vendor commissioned a dual side-exit exhaust to be made and fitted.

The G-Wagen’s MOT certificate, which is valid until November 2020, was gained without a single advisory point, something it’s been doing for the past couple of years. In fact, while most G-Wagens have been through the doldrums, limping from one MOT to another until their value rose sufficiently for them to be treated with the respect they deserve, this one’s MOT history shines like a beacon among a sea of dross. (One of our number has been looking at 461 ‘wagens for years, and could bore you rigid with the horrors he’s seen under a fresh coat of paint and underseal…)

It has a number of expired MOT certificates plus a sheaf of invoices and bills to confirm the work that has been done to it over the years.

It also still has its original owner’s handbook stamped service history and book pack.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and other paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to a good standard.

If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid – something we would encourage – then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

Many of us have watched the G-Wagen’s stellar rise in value with something close to amusement. And yet, it is what it is and the fact is that values have been solid for years now with no sign of faltering makes them a great place to put your money, even if you do need rather a lot of it to gain entry.

Because we think this one will fetch somewhere between £15,000 and £22,000, which is a hefty chunk but is one that takes into account the need for some cosmetic and bodywork fettling to maximise its looks - and future value.

But, the need for work shouldn’t deter you because they’re as simple to repair as a Land Rover Defender while also being much tougher and more reliable. Built for the military and other professional users, their modular engineering makes them ideal for someone looking for a straightforward car to practice their skills on.

And, with the investment made, this AMG-kitted 1990 model would be able to slug it out head-to-head with a much more modern six-figure example, something the vendor explains happens all the time as he invariably comes back to find someone taking a selfie with it in the background…

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.