1979 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Wagon

Straight Six Dual Overhead Cam Fuel Injected

Manual

Clear

Gasoline

This is a 1979 280GE Gelandewagen.  Nine Passenger European Straight 6 Dual Overhead Cam Fuel Injected It was one of only 2500 G-Wagens built in Germany in 1979. The odometer is in KM at somewhere around 38,000 which I believe to be 138k given its military status and general condition.     Here are some cut and paste of some vital statistics of this well made machine: The Mercedes-Benz G was first introduced to the press from February 5 – 10, 1979. Its distinctive design, largely unchanged in thirty years, and its outstanding engineering have long since elevated the cross-country vehicle to cult status and made it one of the most coveted vehicles in the automobile market. Development of the cross-country vehicle commenced in 1972 with a joint venture agreement between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch, based in the Austrian city of Graz. In 1975 the decision was taken to launch the series and build a new plant for it in Graz, where the G is still mostly made by hand even today. From the very beginning the G-Class was designed for operation in extremely difficult terrain. A sturdy base is provided by a perimeter frame made of box-section longitudinal and cross members that afford extraordinary rigidity against bending and distortion. The frame carries robust rigid axles featuring large coil springs with long spring travel advantageous for off-road operation. With gradeability of up to 80 percent, directional stability on lateral slopes of up to 54 percent, 21 centimetres of ground clearance, a 36-degree angle of approach and a 27-degree angle of departure, the G can conquer even the most difficult off-road stretches. At the same time the chassis affords safe, comfortable on-road driving performance.   Taken from the VIN 460 233 17 002040 I went online to The Pointed Three forums and found all this info about this particular truck.  Because these were built by hand there were almost innumerable options for them.   H12- Hot water, additional heater J61- test connections for hydraulic brakes K97- aux fuel tank 2x13.5 litre (These are located in the rear pillars to either side of the rear door and allow an additional fuel capacity of about six gallons) L12- head lamps halogen L16- fog lamps halogen L18- rear fog lamp L27- attachable searching light L50- warning beacon front middle, blue (no longer present) L62- reading lamp (no longer present but gwagenpreserve and eurotruck both carry them) L66- interior lamp additional Q-58- towing connection in front bumper S20- passenger seat foldable S30-unknown W72- shaded windows for rear doors, trunk door and trunk X30- vehicle identification papers Y94- delivery without warning triangle   I searched for this G long and hard for over a year and had plans for a diesel conversion. While I was getting everything together I found one that has had an engine fire. Rather than pulling the good motor I am going to sell this one.  Excellent running 6cyl engine,  Diff locks front and rear work as they should. Steering is straight and tight.  New windshield This G was rolled by the previous owner.  It was tapped from behind (because of this it is missing the right rear bumperette as you can see from the photos).  I had a skilled and talented body guy straighten the body and check the frame for any imperfections of which there are none. Because the top was pretty scuffed and dented I had a new roof skin from another 300GD welded into place. I have owned it two years and have loved driving it.  This engine is fantastic and was obviously well maintained by the German border patrol followed by a short service in the German fire department as evidenced by the paint job and the “Ziegler” decals.  Look at the photos and let me know what other questions you have.  I have driven it about 3000 trouble free miles in the last two years.  The clutch is going to need some work in the near future (the master cylinder leaks and it started to slip two weeks ago) but there is nothing else that needs attention. It does not smoke nor consume oil.  It drives 65-70MPH on the highway with little to no vibration. It may leak a drop of oil every couple of days.  The interior is clean and well maintained and it has the two center-facing paratrooper seats in the way back with head rests.  It also has a cargo net as seen in the photos and the only damage to the interior is the driver seat has some small holes but is still comfortable to drive .It does have a working radio but no speakers at present. There is rust in the rear doglegs (just in front of the rear tires) that has rusted through but that is all.  The rocker panel rubber strips have been removed and the small amount of rust there has been treated with POR-15.  The doors all close soundly. The front passenger door window is a little hard to roll up the last inch or so but still easy enough for me to close from the drivers seat while underway. Keywords Mercedes 300GE, 230GE, 300GD, 350GD, Europa, Military,  Firetruck, G-500, Gelandawagen, g-wagon, Galandewagon, g-wagen, Ziegler