Does this camp-ready G-Wagen pop your top?

Jeff Glucker

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I recently spent time with a modern Mercedes-Benz G-Class and loved it. Many I ask about the older ones, however, say they are terrible to drive. I think I can deal with that, as my F100 wasn’t exactly a Lexus. And my Montero probably feels fairly similar in comparison to the older G. I’d love to have one spec’d for camping and adventure but that would be expensive to build. If you’re looking for a starting point, however, there’s one available right now on Bring-A-Trailer.

This 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300GD has been fitted with a roof-top pop-up camping setup. The rear seats are removed but included in the sale, and it looks like this truck has been prepped for duty. There’s tons of room for gear, supplies, etc in the rear cargo area. That OM603 diesel engine should run until the heat death of the universe. And the five-speed gearbox, transfer case, and trio of locking differentials will get you out to campsites as remote as you can handle.

This rad rig is currently living in Colorado. There are three days left of bidding and the current high bid is $12,500 (as of the time this post went up). If you’ve been looking for a quarantine escape machine, this could be one hell of a building block on which to start your adventure.

About

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway. IG: @HooniverseJeff

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5 responses to “Does this camp-ready G-Wagen pop your top?”

  1. mdharrell Avatar
    mdharrell

    “…will get you out to campsites as remote as you can handle.”

    Our geology department has repeatedly determined that a 2WD 15-passenger van will, perhaps with some difficulty, get people TO a remote campsite. The serious problems arise mostly when attempting to return FROM the campsite.

    Reply
  2. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    If it goes for anywhere near the current bid, it’s probably a steal, just for a clean G-Wagen. I want it, although practically, I’d need to reinstall the (included) back seat as a two-seater isn’t enough. But then practically, I don’t need that sort of off-road capability, so a converted van would be plenty (I wouldn’t say no to a Benz T2, to say nothing of some of theirvans from the 60’s. Although, I’ve also seen a square-body Suburban with the poptop from a Westfalia which fits strangely well, and would split the difference between an overlanding rig and #vanlife nicely.

    Reply
  3. SlowJoeCrow Avatar
    SlowJoeCrow

    I’m disappointed that it doesn’t have any fittings besides the pop top, although I suppose that makes it a blank canvas. Looking at it makes me curious what could be done with a Chevy Suburban or a Ford Excursion since as my son is fond of pointing out, his 96 Suburban ha 8′ of floor behind the front seats.

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    1. outback_ute Avatar
      outback_ute

      At least it already has the RV style paint job

      Reply
    2. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      Yeah I actually like the blank canvas aspect. I can choose to add bits I need and avoid getting rid of/selling things I don’t.

      Reply