Mercedes G Wagon (Overland Build): The Ultimate Diesel Off-Roader! 

Ben, that is the W460 G class. Engine and transmission swaps/rebuilds were very common for this model since it was fairly accommodating with the rest of the Mercedes engine and transmissions in this era. The W461 is the upgraded model of this that looks similar from the outside but has a slightly nicer and upgraded interior. Most of these models were built for English, Swiss and Dutch armies. Civilian versions were made (G300 Pür) but not for sale in the USA. Mbusa fought hard to keep these out and unavailable for sale since they didn’t match the luxury Benz image in the states. More of these W460’s and early W461’s may make their way to us per the 25 year old import rule. The W461’s get the newer engines and are just a BLAST to drive, especially off road.

Funny you mention the lack of knowing the revs. In the UK you are taught to change gear without looking at revs and playing it by ear.

Ben that vehicle is AWESOME! Your advice to look for unique vehicles at high end dealers is paying dividends.

The light you were wondering about is a map light. It allows the navigator (front passenger) to read a paper map without lighting up the entire front cabin. They're very common in emergency vehicles like ambulances and old-school overland rigs.

That is a map light that you kept turning on and off.

it's a map light old schooled I love those style of lights for the inside

THIS is a proper G class. SO nice.

That is a awesome motor. We had it on a Mercedes 300 SDL

Thanks for the awesome video. Love old vehicles like this

Very cool rig 😎👌

I grew up driving a 1976 MB 240D sedan that my parents bought 2 months after my birth. I had to turn on the key and pull out a lever to heat the glow plugs to start it. I also got to drive a 1980 300TD wagon, it was much nicer to drive and I wouldn’t get passed by 49cc moped going up a hill like the 240D.

Someone might have stated already, but that is a OM606 engine. Somebody did an engine, and transmission swap.

This is bad ass

Ben should do some classic reviews maybe a new channel called Ben Hardy Classics if you know someone who has a Shelby Cobra review that. Anyone of a Ben Hardy Classics Channel say I I

You're driving my dream car. Just can't afford a restomod one because poor.

Wow!!!!

Looks like a OM605 engine that would have a 5 speed transmission.

I like the wagon review. Can u do 2025 ev g wagon review?

I want it!

G wagon started as a request from king of Iran back in 1979 so Mercedes company agreed an pass the project to an Austrian company

Does this get MPG or GPM? lol

A tachometer was in those years optional. You just listen to how the engine sounds and decide from there when to shift.

That is a map light that you kept turning on and off.

I like the wagon review. Can u do 2025 ev g wagon review?