1990 Mercedes Benz 280 GE (W460) |

PRIVATE Sale

1990 Mercedes Benz 280 GE (W460)

This vehicle is now available as a private sale - you can make an offer by the Buy It Now button below.

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£21,200

Mileage~116,563
TransmissionManual
Engine2.8L
LocationDorking

FOR SALE

1990 Mercedes Benz 280 GE (W460)

Now available for sale

BUY IT NOW

Introduction

Alan Stuart

Professional Consigner

A tastefully updated and well cared for example of an original classic.

The G-Wagen or G-Class could be considered one of the first of the glam off-roaders, built by an upscale company known for their excellent build quality and engineering finesse, the car was originally created to appease middle-eastern military markets. From the start, it had a different image to the ‘friendly farmer’ persona to its obvious rival the Range Rover and struck a chord with the Kings Road demographic. While the rugged but attractive styling has a part to play, the car handled decently on tarmac too, combining the glamour of a Mercedes with a go-anywhere ability.

There has always been an element of exclusivity with the G-Class too, with news sales being relatively low, partly due to their high prices. But it has never lost its character or core-values. Mercedes have carefully cultivated its image throughout its 40-year-old life, and despite the fads and fashions, the slab-sided styling and ‘soldier proof’ interior has aged rather well.

Lewis' 1990 example is powered by largest petrol engine available to the model at the time, it is considered one of the last of the original G-Class models before a more user-friendly version was introduced in the next year. This short-wheelbase 280 GE has been subject to a considerable overhaul, with much of its running gear subject to replacement and renewal. The current owner has a thing for the G-Class, and over three years of his ownership, the car has received a lot of mechanical attention to complement its solid bodywork. Shod with a private plate, it’s ready for touring/daily enjoyment immediately and offers an intriguing alternative to the British, American and Japanese options that seem to flood the market these days.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Lewis the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I've owned several G-Classes over the years, so I know these great cars inside and out.

We have included Lewis talking to us about his G-Class on the mechanical video, in which you can see the fastidious care of duty and his passion for the car. He goes on to explain the process of replacing and renewing the expensive running gear components, along with the effort taken to get the car up to his expected standards.

He has owned the 280GE since 2017, having owned several G-Class's in the past. He has carried out an extensive programme of renewal to the drivetrain and has told us that the suitably matched number plate (G12 WGN) comes with the sale. The car is being placed on the market due to his relocation abroad.

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The uncompromising styling looks as good as it did when it first appeared over 40 years ago

Wheels and Tyres

The car comes with a set of Mercedes-Benz G Wagen AMG wheels fitted with four new tyres plus a new spare, which are all in excellent condition and shod with Cooper tyres.

However, if these are not to your taste, coming with the car are five original alloys with General Grabber AT2s fitted. The owner has suggested that if the car is used off-road, then these are best suited for the car.

Bodywork

The presentation of the bodywork is very positive, with all of the panel gaps on the doors and body showing an even fit. They're free of ripples and distortion. The underside, including the chassis rails, floor pan and sills are free from signs of off-road abuse and are inline of what you should expect from a well looked-after G-Class of this era.

The under-bonnet area is solid, with general signs of wear but no corrosion. There are a couple of corrosion spots to point out, the base of the back door has corrosion build-up but the car comes with rear lower door skin supplied and there is a small blemish under the driver side of the windscreen. Take a look through the extensive video to see the quality of this car.

Paint

The paint finish is in very good condition, the Carmine Red suiting the classic rugged lines well. The coverage is good, with no signs of fading. There are no significant chips or scratches on the paint, just the usual minor signs of road use.

Glass and Trim

The glass areas are good, with no chips or cracks on the glass. The laminate is intact with just the usual signs of surface age if we had to be picky. The trim is complete, and in a generally good condition. The plastic and rubber items have resisted the climate well, and with the exception of minor discolouration here and there, are all in good condition.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The simple utilitarian design of the interior is complemented by its condition.

Seats and Carpets

Being a W 460, the original G Wagen, the interior is spartan as these really were designed for off road use. The interior itself is in great condition, with the silver and grey plaid seats being exceptionally clean. They look to be spotless, just the fabric wear on the drivers bolster to note as an issue.

The carpets are also in good condition, with the decent rubber mats included. The boot and rear areas follow the same script and have clearly has been well cared for. There are not even any evidence of welly prints.

Dashboard

Protected by typical Mercedes build quality and durable materials, there's not much to report on the dashboard, other than its decent condition. There is the odd sign of age here and there but is in remarkably good order for a 30-year-old vehicle. Door cards, roof lining and other internal fittings are in good condition too with no signs of major damage, rips or scratches. In addition, there is no sign of water ingress.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Both the steering wheel and gear knob are in line with the general interior condition of the vehicle and are in very good condition, with minor signs of age and use.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The excellent external condition is actually bettered by the mechanical aspects.

Engine and Gearbox

The petrol engine runs nicely, with absolutely no issues to the cold start and general running of the block. The physical condition of the engine can be described as functional but there is absolutely no question about the way it performs.

Several items of note have been replaced recently including the water pump, coolant and belts with additional items documented in the history section. For further peace of mind, the car has also received a clutch and both axles, transfer case and gearbox stripped and overhauled.

Suspension and Brakes

One of the main checkpoints for classic off-roaders are the suspension and brakes components, but again the attention to these have been meticulous. All of the items are listed in the history section but it should be mentioned that the rear drums have been overhauled, front hubs been rebuilt and has seen a set of new coils and shocks over the last 3 years.

The Drive

The 280 GE simply means business. Its off-roading ability, guided by its triple locking differentials and protective headlamp grilles, is also matched by its civil road manners and spacious cabin. Properly cared-for examples need not be expensive to own and the G-Class has grafted an enviable reputation for reliability.

Electrics and Other

In keeping with the general maintenance and list of the current owners work to the car, the electric system should not cause any major issues and all is said to be functional.

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History and Paperwork

Lewis' methodical approach to renewing the G-Class has been fastidious and offers the new owner real confidence.

The car comes with lots of paperwork as well as confirmation that it has been serviced at a specialist while Lewis has owned the car. The servicing has been carried out by JWL Classics in Hampshire, which also included annual fuel pressures and cylinder pressure checks, KJetronic injection checking, as well as tappet adjustments.

We have a list of work supplied by Lewis, to give you an indication on the work carried out over the last 3 years. It also comes with a complete workshop manual supplied.

2017:
Front rubber window seals replaced
New rear fog light unit
New rear brake light unit
New side indicator light units
4 SPIDAN white rated coils
4 KONI heavy track shocks

2018:
Transfer case removed, serviced and new mounts installed
Gearbox removed, serviced, synchros replaced
New clutch fitted
Front-wheel hubs stripped: CV joints replaced, wheel bearings replaced, new seals
Throttle linkage rebuilt with new plastic/rubber parts to replace perished originals
New spark plugs, leads, distributor cap, ignition coil
All U joints and sliding glands greased

2019:
Intake manifold gasket replaced
All vacuum hoses replaced
Fuel system tested for fuel pressures and air leaks
Injectors replaced and fuel metering unit
New tow bar and electrics serviced
Track rod replacement

2020:
Rear drum brakes replaced linings, shoes and all spring components
Brake fluid changed
Coolant changed
V Belts replaced
Water pump replaced and cooling system pressure tested
Propshafts removed and balanced before refitting

We've carried out checks on; Seller ID, V5, HPi clear.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
15-10-2020	MOT	116,559
18-04-2019	MOT	113,109
06-04-2018	MOT	110,795
09-11-2016	MOT	109,356
18-11-2015	MOT	108,803
29-11-2014	MOT	107,943
08-01-2014	MOT	107,280
04-01-2013	MOT	106,434
10-01-2012	MOT	105,123
07-01-2011	MOT	105,024
08-01-2010	MOT	104,559
27-10-2008	MOT	101,834
17-10-2007	MOT	97,848
12-10-2006	MOT	93,744
25-10-2005	MOT	91,745

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Key Details

Model280 GE
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date1990
CC2,746
Mileage~116,563
HistoryComprehensive
ColourRed
Interior ColourGrey
Interior TrimCloth
Chassis #WDB46023227066461240
Engine #11099420007437
MOT17-10-2021
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
Former Keepers7
Tyre BrandCooper
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned3 Years
Key FeatureCompletely overhauled drive train

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All Images

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Ask Owner

Show Bids Only

Guest

Dominic Hill

Hello Lewis. Will this car now be available directly with you or is it going back into auction?

Guest

Lewis

Yes

Guest

Dominic Hill

Ok can you email me please as I don’t have your contact details, my email is info@kingdomspecialistcars.com

Br
Dominic

Member

Mac

Congrats @speediefred

£16,951 bid by speediefred 08.02.2021 @ 19:03:18

£16,750 bid by Mac 08.02.2021 @ 19:02:34

£16,500 bid by speediefred 08.02.2021 @ 18:56:21

£16,250 bid by Mac 08.02.2021 @ 18:51:53

£16,000 bid by speediefred 08.02.2021 @ 18:49:52

£15,500 bid by swinley 08.02.2021 @ 18:43:56

£15,250 bid by Mac 08.02.2021 @ 18:40:11

£15,000 bid by speediefred 08.02.2021 @ 15:25:42

£14,750 bid by Richh 08.02.2021 @ 13:10:10

£14,500 bid by speediefred 08.02.2021 @ 09:34:51

£14,001 bid by Mac 07.02.2021 @ 21:59:49

Member

Mac

Is that discolouration on the black wheel arches or just drying out from the rain?
Also is the supplied lower door skin in matching colour?

Author

Lewis G

Hi Mac, thanks for your message. The door skin is not painted yet as it’s better to do it after fitting so it matches perfectly. The wheel arches are indeed drying out from the rain but they also could look better with re-blacking all over. Hope that helps! Thanks.

£13,800 bid by tedward 07.02.2021 @ 21:26:50

£13,000 bid by speediefred 07.02.2021 @ 20:48:47

£12,500 bid by tedward 07.02.2021 @ 20:12:23

£11,000 bid by Mac 07.02.2021 @ 19:42:19

£10,200 bid by tedward 07.02.2021 @ 19:23:00

£9,000 bid by speediefred 07.02.2021 @ 15:06:08

£8,000 bid by Mac 07.02.2021 @ 09:56:56

£7,000 bid by speediefred 07.02.2021 @ 09:04:40

£6,000 bid by Mac 06.02.2021 @ 21:28:59

£5,000 bid by speediefred 04.02.2021 @ 13:26:53

£1,000 bid by rogerramjet365 04.02.2021 @ 13:05:55

Vehicle Location

Dorking

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