Finding a Mercedes-Benz G-Class that doesn’t look and/or sound as if it were the Pale Rider’s favorite set of wheels, now that’s quite a surprise these days! An all original first gen survivor, the fact that it was a G-Class chassis-cab was just the icing on the cake.
That’s a truck, in other words. Compact and light, yet immensely durable and capable. It’s a 30 to 40 years old, first generation W460-300 GD, which means it’s powered by the OM 617 diesel engine; a naturally aspirated, 3.0 liter inline-five with a maximum power output of 88 DIN-hp.
I’d say that this mini-Unimog was imported from Germany, given its whole set-up and that shade of orange. It would have been ideal to remove snow from our bike paths, a viable alternative to the light trucks the municipalities here use for that purpose (think Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and such).
The Benz is equipped with a Hiab 011 crane. This type of small cranes for light trucks is becoming more and more common, these are always mounted directly behind the bed’s headache rack.
Here’s an almost identical G-Class I found on the web, carrying a salt spreader on its bed. From municipality to celebrity, everybody just loves the G-Class!
Related reading:
CC Capsule: Monday Morning Rarities – Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen 460 Series; The Pre-Pimped Version
This color is german “RAL 2011” and it is reserved for municipal vehicles only (german: Kommunal Fahrzeuge). One can buy them on the Internet when sold as decommissioned. We did so occasionally in the 90s as students. But today (why?¿?¿¿?) people have gone crazy and pay really big money for those battered old vehicles. Especially for MB G Class and Unimogs.
Here’s the link, it is a state auction, please select english version then scroll vehicles:
https://www.vebeg.de
The W460/W461 G-Class is mechanically simpler and more basic in equipment level (with many extra-cost options) as compared to the W463 (first and second generations, 1990-current). They were more geared toward the utilitian use rather than luxury vehicle buyers (W463 was designed specifically for the latter in mind).
Mercedes-Benz offered many body types and configurations for its W460/W461 before whetting the number down to four in 1990 with heavily revised W463. You could practically have W460/W461 in many configurations, including the pick-up trucks (Pritschenwagen) with three wheelbase lengths and three-door panel vans (Kastenwagen) in short and long wheelbases.
They are very popular with off-road enthusiasts and military due to its robust and simple mechanism. W460/W461 production number is in low 50 thousands so the higher cost for ‘…those battered old vehicles.’
Once in a while, Mercedes-Benz offers a limited production civilian version of W461 with parts from W463, namely engines and drivetrains, under label, Pur or Professional, with one diesel engine choice.
I was at the top of sugarloaf mountain in Maryland and a guy pulled up in a quite nice G-wagon of this vintage with the 3.0 diesel and a stick. Definitely more my style than a G63, although I would imagine it’s still a hugely expensive vehicle in terms of its value.
And the interior
Ive seen a few G wagon utes here, very capable vehicles though very expensive new, mind you they outlast most of the opposition so really a good buy.
The other day I got talking to a guy who had an ex-army Land Rover. He said the G-wagen fleet is giving the army some problems and regrets. He couldn’t substantiate exactly what these problems were, maybe he was just talking from brand loyalty but I do wonder if there’s anything to it.
As topic is Legendary Mercedes G class I must confess that my dream vehicle to own Must be a new Mercedes AMG G65 with V12 Biturbo !!
I guess that is a good reminder that the world works different depending on where you are. When you said this was the type of machine that was used to clean bike paths of snow my first reaction was
“Who rides their bike in the snow??”
Here in Canada I’ve seen the police pull people over for trying that.
“Who rides their bike in the snow??”
Pretty much anyone who’s also riding a bike when there’s no show…School kids, students, many people who live in a city and folks who live nearby the office/factory/shop/whatever the job.
Thinking back of the times us highschool-kids smacked on the pavement while riding a bike when the roads where slippery due to snow, ice rain etc. Hilarious scenes!! (in retrospective, of course…)
Only the elderly don’t ride a bike in those conditions, for obvious reasons.
Reminds me of the Willys Jeep Pickup styling of the 1950’s.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1951-willys-jeep-truck-the-antidote-to-modern-life/