Tank in a Tux: ’99 Mercedes-Benz G500 Europa Long Wheelbase
Motor trend called it a tank in a tux. We won’t argue that point at all. The Gelandewagen is not a familiar sight on American roads. We would wage a guess if you left New York City and headed west you might not see another one until you got to California. Maybe in Colorado in the ritzy ski towns but not so much in Nebraska or Iowa. Now before Mercedes-Benz federalized their own version of the G-wagen, Europa International was the only way to get one. They became very adept at federalizing them so that you wouldn’t know it didn’t get built that way in the first place. This version, a ’99 is powered by the same engine from the SL500 putting out around 300hp. The off-road prowess is undeniable, mostly because you can lock the many differentials easily from the driver’s seat. There is a huge amount of ground clearance too. Ride, braking and luxury appointments are all at luxury sedan levels. Fuel economy, not so much. Chalk that up to being shaped like a 2 boxes stacked on top of one another. When this G500 was new, we estimate it cost close to $140,000. Today’s featured G is in exceptional condition with all of the bells and whistles. It has a Warn winch, 18″ wheel upgrade, a killer $6000 stereo system and side steps. It is accident free, fully serviced and only 43,000 miles. This is a no salt, no off-roading G500 and the seller is asking $39500. Click here to contact the seller.