This G-Wagen Restomod Is More Powerful, Efficient, and Quiet Than the Original

It’s no secret that classic SUVs have gained serious traction among collectors who appreciate the look, feel, and authenticity of an historic off-roader. Within the American, British, and Japanese camps, models like the original Ford Bronco, the Land Rover Defender, and the Toyota FJ40 are especially popular, with a number of restomod outfits offering no-holds-barred restorations that add comfort and amenities to the rugged originals.

For years, the Mercedes-Benz G-Series has been in great demand, and no more so than today. The Austrian-built breadbox-on-wheels has earned a solid reputation for reliability, unmatched off-road capability, and utilitarian looks that have—somehow—become an automotive fashion statement. But few people know the origin of the G-Wagen, or more properly, Geländewagen (German for “cross-country”), the first generation of which was launched back in 1979 as a military all-terrain vehicle, and was soon made available to the public.

Expedition Motor Company (EMC), based in Frenchtown, N.J., exclusively restores—and greatly enhances—the original Mercedes-Benz 250GD. Called “the Wolf” by those in the know, this G-Wagen model was made from 1990 through 1993 for military use. The original was as short on luxury as it was long on utility. In fact, the Wolf was short, period. Built only as a two-door version, the 250GD also featured a fold-down windshield and a convertible top, making it the equivalent of a beach buggy that could also climb hills like a mountain goat. Such versatility, and anvil-like reliability and simplicity, made the 250GD a natural choice for EMC’s founder, Alex Levin, as the ideal candidate for restoration. Coincidentally, EMC currently holds the largest stock of G-Wagen Wolfs in the world.

According to Levin, each new build requires about 2,100 hours of meticulous restoration, beginning with a bare frame that receives media blasting, anti-corrosion primer, and a final powder-coat finish. Any stray bullet holes in the original bodywork are filled at no charge. Components such as axles are completely rebuilt, while others, including body mounts, fuel lines, and brake lines, are replaced with new items. And some entire systems are reengineered and improved, namely brakes and a modern suspension—the latter developed in-house for increased comfort under modern driving conditions.

The heart of the 250GD is its indestructible diesel engine, a 2.5-liter inline-five known internally as the OM602. Fully rebuilt and mated to a Mercedes-Benz five-speed manual transmission, it features a new injection pump and injectors, and delivers about a 15 percent increase in power over the original, as well as an increase in efficiency and a reduction in noise. EMC engineers also spent considerable time adapting the reliable Mercedes-Benz 7226 automatic transmission to the Wolf, an option for drivers who enjoy the luxury of an idle left foot.

Exterior paint colors are nearly unlimited, and each interior is completely retrimmed in quality vinyl for durability, while wood-trim embellishments add a touch of luxury. Air conditioning is standard, and customers can specify a color-matched hardtop option and a variety of sound systems. Named “The White Wolf,” the example featured here—built from a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 250GD—is fully equipped with a front winch, bull bars, light protectors, air snorkel, and spare fuel containers with mounts. EMC’s restomod trucks start at $165,000.

Click here for more photos of “The White Wolf,” Expedition Motor Company’s New G-Wagen restomod.