ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS ON A VERY SPECIAL MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS

The Mercedes-Benz G-class which has been around for some forty five years was developed as a military vehicle from a suggestion by the Shah of Iran, and was later offered as a civilian vehicle in 1979. The development of this go anywhere vehicle started in 1972 with a cooperative agreement between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler in Austria and engineers in Stuttgart were responsible for design and testing with the first prototype engaged in a variety of locations including the Sahara Desert and the Arctic Circle.

This, the strongest of SUVs, commenced production in Graz in Austria and on a number of occasions I have had the opportunity to drive the G-Class not only under everyday road conditions but over some challenging off road situations and I remember one in particular where a leading tyre manufacturer was using the G-Class; my immediate thought was, no vehicle could go there, I was proved wrong, the mighty Mercedes triumphed. There have been a number of famous people, film stars, sports people who have owned and driven the G-Class and it gained global fame in 1980 when Mercedes-Benz built a Pope mobile which was based on a 230 G cabriolet during a visit of Pope John Paul 11 to Germany. The G-Class itself has featured in many films down the years and television productions and remains a firm favourite across a wide spectrum of customers and there is one in my own family.

Now, there is  news of a very special G-Class, the STRONGER THAN THE 1980s and it comes with a blend of colours which can be best described as stunning and exclusive design elements and equipment from the legendary 280 GE. This special edition is very much a tribute also to the W 460 which was hugely popular in the 1980s which had superior on and off road capability and it very much laid the foundation for the cult status of the Gelandewagen. This special edition is limited to a mere 460 units and there is no doubt it will be very much sought after. It is available as a G 450 and to round off the vintage appearance, the front of the vehicle, radiator grille as well as the bumpers, flared wheel arches and exterior mirror housing are finished in night black magno and it rides on classic five spoke alloy wheels.

The famous Merreces star on the bonnet takes its design of the historic emblem featuring the Mercedes-Benz lettering and laurel wreath on a blue background and the rear end door is adorned with an original part from the 1980s with a silver badge featuring the black Mercedes-Benz lettering and a special spare wheel cover. Looking at equipment, taken from the Professional Line Executive which delivers a striking off road look, items include mud flaps and all terrain tyres.

Moving to the well-appointed interior and yet again it pays homage to the 1980s; the centre panel of the black leather seats is covered with dove grey fabric that was very popular at the time and the trim moulding of the passenger grab handle bears the lettering STRONGER THAN THE 1980s. Those lucky enough to get their driving hands on one of these very special G –Class models will have a number on the centre console-numbered 1-460. Adding the finishing touch, a multi-function steering wheel in Nappa leather, a glass sliding sunroof and the superb Burmester 3D surround sound system.

Ian Lynas