1979 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

6Door GWagon SUV

5 - Cyl.

Manual

46033317007341

Diesel

For your consideration: A1979 Mercedes-Benz 300GD, which was the first-generation G-Class, still in production today. This model is not the luxury boulevardier G-Class that is currently made, but rather a very utilitarian and extremely capable 4x4, powered by an OM617 Normally Aspirated 5-Cylinder diesel motor. Engine was replaced with a new longblock unit from Metric Motors, and runs very strong, having only 20,000 miles on it. 250,000 (and usually many more) miles are common for these engines. Elsbett conversion performed at 156,000 miles, enabling use of SVO/WVO, biodiesel, and good old petroleum diesel. I routinely get 20 MPG running on WVO. This particular vehicle is Euro-spec (halogen headlights, marker lights, and speedo is in KM's), and was brought to the U.S. legally, and I hold clear Virginia title. Front and rear locking differentials (front is inoperable and leaks--rear will only work if reservoir is kept filled and system bled) and shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive with low range will get you through most anything. Good tires and nice later-model GWagen rims. Mechanically the only known issues are the lockers, as mentioned, and a slight leak in the power steering system (I just top it off every month or so, although steering effort increases at the end of steering-wheel travel). I have driven this truck on a near-daily basis for the past two years, hauling kids, farm supplies, and what have you. The rear "ambulance doors" are great features. Please note the trailer hitch does not go with the truck--it originally went on a 240GD which I still own, and I have put it back where it came from. The biggest issue with this truck is the cosmetics. Body does have significant rust. As I tried to show in the pictures, the windshield frame, rear corners, and rockers need attention fairly soon. I do have genuine Mercedes body panels to replace the windshield frame and the structural members below it, as well as both rear corners, and I may offer these separately to an interested party. Most of the rest is all flat metal, and could be easily fabricated. The floors are very solid, and though I have not pulled the carpet (it was glued down by a former owner), the footwells are firm except for soft spots in the corners where the body mounts are (you can see in the pictures from underneath where the body mounts are deteriorated. As the pictures show, the body as a whole is fairly straight, but could use some TLC. With the new engine, this would be a fantasic base for a full restoration; or, spend a weekend with some tin snips, metal panels and a pop-rivet gun (and maybe some silicone caulk) and you could go on down the road for years without much issue. The interior reflects the age of the vehicle, though it is still quite presentable. I do have the factory swing-out spare tire carrier, but the corner would need to be fixed before re-mounting it. Much of the vinyl on the interior panels needs to be reglued, and new carpets would be in order. The plastic dash panels have cracked, and the headlight switch has to be tucked behind the dash since it mount broke. Vehicle does not have windshield washer system (wipers, yes.) I have been as kind on the interior it as I can, but as I said, I have used it for a work truck more or less. This truck lived in Arizona, and has AZ legal window tint, which may not be legal everywhere, as is quite dark. On the road, the truck is a delight to drive, tracking straight, and with a smooth ride despite its heavy-duty underpinnings. Of course, these are not sports cars, and while the diesel motor pulls hard, they are not meant to win races. Off road, it is hard to get stuck. I love this truck, but I can't keep it. Divorce has forced me to restructure a number of things, and I need to thin my fleet of vehicles somewhat, both for financial and practical reasons. I already have another GD, and moving means this one would have to stay outside. Although I have a custom cover for it (included in sale), it really should be kept under roof as it leaks, and until the windshield frame is patched or replaced, water infiltration will worsen the issue. I planned to do a full restoration, but have come to realize that with all else going on, I will never have the opportunity to do so. All in all, this is a great truck, and would be an ideal daily runner, with its utility, durability, and relatively stellar fuel economy. Actually, I am continuing to drive it, so the mileage may be slighty higher at close of auction. I strongly encourage potential bidders to come examine the vehicle to resolve any questions before the end of the auction; and, I am not a fortune teller, and cannot predict future issues with this 31 year old vehicle, which has been running on alternative fuel, so please understand that when you are the winning bidder, you own this truck. And this truck is sold positively where is, AS IS. Period. Being the winning bidder does not afford you the opportunity to come inspect it or renegotiate your winning bid. If you do not understand, or accept, these simple terms, DO NOT BID. Please understand further that I have tried to represent the vehicle as best I can, but I cannot possible think of every possible flaw or issue, which again is why I advise you to inspect it yourself, or contact me with specific questions, which I will happily do as best I can. I can hold the truck for a reasonable period of time until you can come get it or have it shipped, but my driveway is not your parking lot, so please have your plans in place before committing to purchase. Failure to pick up the vehicle as agreed upon, or to make timely payment, shall result in forfeiture of any deposit, cancellation of your winning bid, and allows me to relist the vehicle. Vehicle is for sale locally, and I reserve the right to end the auction early for any reason. Apologies for all the tough talk--I've seen enough as an E-Bay seller, and have unfortuntely found it necessary to spell all this out. So, happy bidding, and enjoy!