Description
1990 Mercedes 240GD with 1, 590 miles from new. I was one of the first in the UK to import this 240 GD from the Singapore Military in 2020; then subject to a 3-year restoration totaling a substantial five-figure sum.
My aim was to build my dream G-Wagon convertible, applying retro 70's styling using a later body. Beginning with this ex-Singapore example, chosen specifically as it's never seen salt or snow, the car was stripped of its original military paint before being restored by B&C Coachworks - Haslemere. Any rusty sections were removed with new metal where necessary and a documented with a photographic restoration file that accompanies the vehicle (copy available on request).
Bodywork
New lower windscreen fabricated (P D Gough & Co). Bespoke convertible frame fabricated to lower roofline – you’ll note unlike most “high-sill” models which feature a bulbous hood frame, this lower roofline sits flush with the roll bar for a much sleeker look (P D Gough & Co). N/ S Sill replaced (B&C Coachworks), new metal to floor (B&C Coachworks), re-spray in 1970’s Mercedes Dark Olive (B&C Coachworks) all exterior trim removed, shot blasted and powder coated (Kirdford Shot Blasting). All wheels, including spare, shot blasted and powder coated (Primo Wheels) shod in Michelin tyres. All nuts, bolts, cleats, screws and clamps replaced with stainless-steel. New light clusters, new Nato-spec jerry can.
Interior and Trim
New Mohair hood (£3, 000) sourced and tailored to car’s lower roofline (CW Trimming). ‘Wet Weather’ doors re-trimmed in black vinyl (CW Trimming). Seats and grab handle re-trimmed in saddle tan. Interior finished in satin black Raptor bed-liner – allowing you to chuck mountain bikes or anything else in the boot without fear of scratching. Dashboard painted in body colour. New seat belts and tensioners.
Military light system retained, so you can kill the rear lights / number plate lights, and pretend you’re Steve McQueen.
Mechanical
Desirable plastic fuel tank sourced, rebuilt with new sender, baffles and installed (Henderson plastics). New fuel primer pump, new fuel lines, new run-off hoses, new ignition barrel and keys, new brake master cylinder and new washer jet.
Recently serviced with all filters changed (RCM Wormley) differential, gearbox and engine oils changed (RCM Wormley). New gearshift upper mechanism sourced and rebuilt. New heater system (most tropical-spec G’s come with either zero or woefully inadequate heating) – I sourced one from a Danish Wolf and had installed at RCM Wormley. Power steering system flushed and refilled (RCM Wormley). Brake fluid changed (RCM Wormley).
Summary
Whilst this is by no means a concours car, it does present exceptionally well, and has had all the expensive jobs done. Mostly used for pottering about on sunny days, it attracts smiles, waves and compliments anywhere you drive it – I am not sure I’ve ever owned a car that has had better reactions on the road. I would add that, unlike a Defender, this drives brilliantly with lovely light power steering, firm brakes and a mechanical gearshift. It is a joy to cruise about in and corners better than it has any right to!
I’ll be adding a fresh MOT for the new owner next week, a check of its history is testament to the condition of the vehicle – it has never had a single advisory.
Available now for a fraction of the cost I’ve incurred to buy and restore. Any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me. Restored over 3 years with low miles. Full service history including recent service. Fresh MOT for new owner No advisory on any MOT to date.
