1992 MERCEDES-BENZ (W463) 300 GD SWB

This Mercedes-Benz 300 GD SWB is a meticulously maintained, highly original example of the marque’s robust ‘Geländewagen’ all-terrain vehicle. Fitted with a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine, producing around 111bhp, and a five-speed manual transmission, this 300 GD also features a low-range gearbox and front, rear and central differential locks. The odometer shows just 65,208 miles from new.

First registered on 30 December 1992, this rugged 4x4 has six previous registered keepers on the UK log book. The current vendor purchased the G-Wagen in a Collecting Cars auction in August 2020, but unfortunately has been presented with an exorbitant five-figure import cost if he wants to register the 300 GD in his native Ireland. This included a Vehicle Registration Tax charge of €11,340, as well as an additional levy of €4,850 in respect of its NOx emissions rating.

While he would love to keep the car, he has understandably made the decision to offer it to another enthusiast on Collecting Cars. It is therefore currently located in Ireland, but remains on its UK registration and has not been exported – so the only cost to bring it back to the UK would be shipping, which the vendor believes would cost around €800. The new keeper details are blank on VSC/2 section, which will be sent with vehicle together with comprehensive records from previous owners.

Like its contemporary the Land Rover Defender, the 300 GD uses a body-on-frame construction. It can trace its bloodline to the current range of G-Wagens, which have been in continuous production for over 40 years.

Specified from the factory with Anthracite Grey Metallic paint, the Mercedes’ bodywork belies its age, with no dents or panel damage. The paintwork is believed to be original and that it remains in excellent condition throughout – and would be a smart example for exhibiting at local and national shows. The black rubbing strips adorning the body are straight and true, and the branded spare wheel cover is in excellent condition.

There are some very small stone chips to the front end of the vehicle, but it remains in remarkably good condition for its age. There is also a hairline crack in the driver’s side repeater lens, but otherwise the light lenses and body trims are in great shape. The drainage channels, door jambs, bonnet and boot shuts are all in good order as well. The original-fitment 15-inch alloy wheels are free of kerbing marks, and have only minor paint chips and bubbling in the finish. An optional sunroof was also specified from the factory, which remains in full working order.

As with the exterior, the interior of the 300 GD is highly original and remains in superb condition. The durable cloth seats have no rips or tears, and have resisted wear very well, with even the driver’s seat still in great shape. Its dashboard and door cards are in very good order, and there are just a few very minor nicks in the plastic trims.

The cabin is accented by burr walnut wood trim inlays, and the original carpets have held up well and are protected by floor mats. All the original switchgear is present and correct, and there are no warning lights or faults with any of the instrumentation. A Pioneer aftermarket head unit has been fitted, improving sound quality over the standard-fitment stereo. The current vendor has also made some repairs to the speakers to ensure they are in good working order.

Its most recent service was carried out 500 miles ago, and it is understood to have been routinely serviced throughout its life at annual intervals. In 2018, all six glow plugs were replaced, and the anti-roll bar and gear linkage bushes were also renewed. There are invoices documenting lots of mechanical work over the last five years, including new clutch slave and master cylinders, new front and rear shock absorbers and coil springs, and new rear bump stops.

The most recent MOT test was on 2 March 2020 at 64,418 miles, when it passed with only one advisory regarding minor damage to the windscreen, but which was not affecting the driver’s view. The car is fitted with matching General Grabber A/T tyres in 265/70/R14 fitment all round, which are in nearly new condition.

Accompanying the Mercedes to its next owner are all of the original handbooks, as shown in the photo gallery. The original spare wheel and boot-mounted warning triangle are also present.

This Mercedes-Benz 300 GD SWB is an uncommonly well-presented example of the rugged and reliable off-roader, which is in excellent condition throughout thanks to regular routine maintenance and servicing. Offering practicality, strong mechanicals, and premium brand cachet, the G-Wagen is just at home in a muddy field as it is in the supermarket car park, and this example is ready for anything.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.