2001 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Chassis No. WDB4633091X138409

The G-Wagen's origins trace to the early 1970s and the influence of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran, then a major Daimler-Benz shareholder who championed for a capable off-roader. The W463 generation, introduced in 1990, married that rugged brief to real luxury, and from the 2001 model year Mercedes-Benz pushed further still with the G 400 CDI, a twin-turbocharged V8 diesel flagship offered in rare two-door Cabriolet form alongside the familiar long and short wheelbase offerings.

This example was delivered new to Switzerland in November 2002 and pairs a 4.0-liter OM628 V8 diesel with a five-speed automatic transmission. It left the factory finished in Andradite Green Metallic with a Black leather interior enriched with burred walnut veneer and a leather and burl wood steering wheel. Its options list also includes the Exclusive trim package, COMAND, heated front seats, a chrome-effect grille, illuminated sill covers, and 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

A seldom seen and highly sought after Cabriolet model, the G 400 CDI combines big diesel torque, 250 PS and 560 Nm, with open air motoring suited to the grandeur of the Alps. Cataloged today with just under 137,000 kilometers and recently serviced, this example offers a compelling opportunity to acquire one of Mercedes-Benz's most capable off-roaders in open-top form. Few settings suit it better.