1980 300GD W460 info Wheelbase - 94.5"/2.400 m Length - 168"/4.275 m Width - 69"/1.760 m Height - 75.98"/1.930 m fuel capacity - 25 gal./96 liter hitch load 254 lbs./115 kg top speed (G500) 118 mph/190 km/h 2WD (S - Strasse = street) 4WD high (SA - Strasse Allrad = street 4WD) 4WD low (GA - Gelaende Allrad = off-road 4WD) 1980 Mercedes-Benz 300GD 2 Door Wagen (Diesel) Note: AS OF 2002, MERCEDES-BENZ USA IS THE OFFICIAL IMPORTER OF THE G500 UTILITY VEHICLE. PREVIOUS YEARS WERE IMPORTED BY EUROPA INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED. PRICING Original MSRP: $26,325 Low Retail Average Retail Value High Retail Base Price $2,475 $6,475 $9,250 TOTAL PRICE $2,475 $6,475 $9,250 http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=7923-22-1-5013-0-0-0&l=7923&w=22&p=1&f=5014&y=1980&m=1115&d=4214&c=7&vi=94015&da=1 History To fully understand how unique Europa and the Gelaendewagen are, an understanding of their history is essential. Mercedes-Benz has a long tradition rich in four-wheel drive technology dating back to 1926 with the introduction of the G1. Then came the Unimog off-road tractor/transport four wheel drive vehicle produced since the 1950.s. During the 1970.s Mercedes-Benz began engineering the Gelaendewagen. Their efforts paid off when they received an order for 20,000 .Jeeps with the Star.. The year 1979 marked the beginning of production for the Gelaendewagen including the civilian version. The original 460 model civilian chassis was closely related to the 460 military chassis with a part-time four-wheel drive system and two optional differential locks. Gas and diesel powered, the .G. came in short, long and soft top versions. Thus was the original product line of Europa G-WAGEN LLC. beginning in 1983. Having originally focused on marketing rare and unique vehicles, Europa soon became specialists in the Gelaendewagen. In 1987 the U.S. Government curtailed the casual importation that had allowed many dealers access to hard-to-find vehicles. This led to Europa undertaking the daunting task of certifying the Gwagen to federal emissions and safety standards which included extensive crash testing. 1990 marked the introduction of the 463 chassis Gelaendewagen. The new G was similar in appearance to its predecessors but with a substantial level of technical re-engineering and comfort enhancements. The G.Wagen had now become a refined and well-appointed automobile without compromising its outstanding off-road qualities. In October 1993 Europa completed its five-year, $500,000 U.S. certification program, including destructive and non-destructive vehicle testing, becoming the exclusive U.S. importer and distributor for the luxurious, second generation Gelaendewagen. Being the sole source for the G.Wagen in North America, Europa became known as the experts for this rare vehicle. Technicians were sent to Germany for specialized training and a team of professionals was assembled to support the demand for this unusual and unique four wheel drive vehicle. Europa increased their nationwide marketing efforts focusing on the high-end luxury market. New owners would have their vehicle delivered via covered carrier directly to their front door. In 1997 Europa began development and testing for the next generation G.Wagen, the powerful G500. In 1999 after nearly two-years and over $1 million invested, Europa gained U.S. Small Volume Manufacturer status for the Gwagen, finally making it a 50-state legal vehicle. With a V-8 engine and even more creature comforts, the G.Wagen.s reputation as the SUV of the elite was even further increased. Limited production ensured the highest build quality, with Europa selling over 10 percent of the worldwide G500 production. With the 2002 model year, and after purchasing the U.S. distribution rights for the Gelaendewagen from Europa, Mercedes-Benz began selling the G500 through its U.S. dealer network. Europa G-WAGEN LLC continues to maintain and support the 2001 and earlier model Gelaendewagens and remains the source for pre-owned vehicles, spare parts, accessories and technical expertise. http://www.gwagen.com/ - this 300GD will only get about 17 mpg (been reading on line about them) - some claim 20 - 21 mpg - this 300GD with a 4 speed and I-5 Diesel will top out at 50mph. 55 mph if I don't mind the screaming... (specs claim 79 mph top speed) - this 300GD doesn't have a/c - this 300GD doesn't have cruise control - this 300GD doesn't have heated seats - this 300GD looks rough underneath and inside - if I want better performance, I'll need to swap in a newer Turbo Diesel and AT... and possibly regear it... it has very low gears now... changing gears isn't an easy option http://www.rubicon-trail.com/public/gwagen.mov john '99 WJ 4.7L V8 '94 K1500 6.5L TD V8 '91 300D 2.5L TD I-5 '83 J10 stepside - no engine (it went missing in centralia...) '75 J10 trailer - no engine, unless you count the hydraulic pump '67 J100 panel - 232, but may get the Ford 460 V8/C6 from the '74 Javelin other cars parked in the driveway: '74 Javelin with said Ford 460 '85 300D 3.0L TD I-5 ----- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Snohomish, Washington -o|||||o- where Jeeps don't rust, they mold http://wagoneers.com/fotos/fotomeister/ SAVE power, use LINUX: http://johnmeister.com/tmcp.pdf SAVE yourself: http://freegift.com SAVE fuel, use synthetics: http://AMSOIL.com/redirect.cgi?zo=283461 ------------------------------------------------------------------------