Ex-Military G-Class Receives An Overhaul From Expedition Motor Company, Goes For $90K

Before the Mercedes G-Class became such an icon in the motoring industry, it was simply known as one of the toughest off-roaders that money could buy.

This specific 250GD example comes from that era, representing the most utilitarian version of the Mercedes off-roader as it started life as a military vehicle, or “Wolf” as the German army used to called them.

Expedition Motor Company specializes in turning these former army vehicles into mouth-watering trucks. The Silver Wolf you see here kicks off a new series of ex-military restorations for the G-Class experts as a celebration for the model’s 40th anniversary. The off-roader comes with a two-door soft-top bodystyle and a fold-down windshield.

Also Read: Forget The AMGs – This “Wolf” G-Class Is What Merc’s 4×4 Is Really About

The company spends more than 1,000 man hours restoring and improving every Geländewagen that goes through their hands. Each project takes 12 to 16 weeks to be completed, depending on customer preferences. The company claims it has the largest stock of G-Wagens in the world, so if you’re interested, you’ll surely find to suit your needs.

The restoration starts with a complete strip-down, with the frame media-blasted down to bare metal before receiving an anti-corrosive primer and finished in a matte black powder coat. Each truck gets new fuel and brake lines along with new body mounts, the factory axles are completely redone with new internals and an upgraded suspension with new dampers and springs.

The original -and indestructible- OM602 2.5-liter five-cylinder diesel engine is retained after receiving a full rebuild with new pistons, seals, timing belt, water pump, and other components. The radiator is re-cored to work again as new and the stock 5-speed manual transmission is also disassembled, cleaned and refreshed with new seals, new clutch and new throw-out bearing, while the transfer case is also overhauled.

The bodywork also receives plenty of attention, too, as the tub and panels are stripped down to bare metal prior to restoring them with corrosion-proofing and a new paint finish. The interior of the Silver Wolf features a brown vinyl upholstery for maximum durability, contrasting orange stitching and a dark-stained white oak trim for the cargo area and side panels.

The electrical system was converted from the military-grade 24-volt system to a standard 12-volt one, with the car getting new wiring, starter motor, gauges, lights and other modern gear, while the LED head- and tailights are another nice touch.

Prices for one of Expedition Motor Company’s G-Wagens start from $90,000, with all models featuring both a full-length fabric soft-top and a bikini top. So, are you sure you still want that classic Defender after all?