The Mercedes G-Class, which has long been a status symbol, began its "career" 47 years ago as a simple and robust off-road vehicle. Its drivetrain and body concept on a steel box-frame chassis were designed solely to meet military needs. Those days are long gone.
While several renowned tuning companies are already heavily involved in modifying past and current/luxury G-Classes preferred by businesspeople and "businesspeople," the American restomod company Expedition Motor Company from New Jersey has decided to use only original military G-Classes with a folding canvas roof as the basis for their project. These vehicles, known as the 250GD Wolf in 1991, were part of the inventory of many NATO military forces.
EMC founder Alex Levin says that the thorough restoration and modification process of an old Wolf takes over 2,500 working hours. The final result, hidden behind the name Camo Wolf, is an "open-air" six-person G-Class whose preserved analog character is enhanced with a few components in the spirit of the current era (air conditioning, heated leather seats, audio system, smartphone connectivity, LED lights...).
Along with modifications come new wheels fitted with tires that, combined with 4x4 drive, differential locks, and a reduction gear, will perform excellently on various unpaved surfaces. Behind the wheels lies a modified suspension with Fox shock absorbers.
The Camo Wolf can be ordered with a thoroughly refurbished original (said to be indestructible) 2.5-liter 5-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel engine (OM602) producing 84 horsepower. Also available are Mercedes' 2.5-liter and three-liter diesel engines with five and six cylinders (OM605a and OM606a), which, with turbocharger support, develop 225 and 275 horsepower, respectively.
The top offering is reserved for a combination that powers the Camo Wolf with GM's 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine (LS3), delivering over 430 horsepower. For distribution to the axles, a 6-speed automatic transmission is then responsible.
Customers who opt for EMC's G-Class with the most powerful drivetrain option should be prepared to spend an additional 50,000 euros on top of the base price of 170,000 euros.