Uh-oh! Even the mighty and exalted get the bums rush barn treatment sometimes. This 1996 (it’s not an ’80 as the listing initially suggests and the VIN checks out) Mercedes-Benz G320 has gotten the banishment treatment but there’s a whole lot more to the story. Let’s dig in (which will literally need to happen) and see what’s here. This Geländewagen is located in Providence, Rhode Island and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $12,100, reserve not yet met. There is a BIN option price of $20,000 too.

Known as a W463, this G-wagon is one of almost 400K that has been produced since 1979. It’s a four-wheel-drive, go-anywhere kind of vehicle that has manifested itself in standard, luxury, performance, and military applications. It is one of M-B’s longest-running models and this example is actually a Euro-spec version, specifically, the seller states, “It is Eurospec and was imported some time back… its original European owner as the story goes. He had it on a New York registration. It now has a Massachusetts title“. My understanding is that a vehicle that does not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) cannot be imported until it’s at least twenty-five years of age. That would mean last year, 2021, would have been the soonest it would have been permitted on U.S. shores. That’s my understanding anyway, but maybe I have something wrong regarding that regulation. Regardless, it has a title, but there’s a whole lot of other stuff that it doesn’t have – like being together.

The seller suggests, “Currently it is in need of some reassembly” Gee, ya think? The 208 HP, 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine is in pieces but the cylinder head has been rebuilt. There’s a four-speed automatic transmission with AWD in there someplace – it’s definitely not installed. The mileage recording is 150K (miles or kilometers?) and it’s not stated if the engine required rebuilding or has experienced any such activity.

The body checks out as OK though the seller states that the hood’s clear coat has peeled and “the body has very minimal rust for one of these vehicles” – a subjective assessment. The grille, bumper, and front trim show as missing but that may have something to do with the engine removal – the parts are included in the sale as are the original 16″ wheels.

The interior is impenetrable and is serving as a repository for parts. The tan upholstery looks like a combination of cloth and leather but it’s impossible to tell with certainty – what can be observed appears to be heavily stained. The dash and center stack have been pulled apart – the entire environment is a mess. The seller does admit, “The pictures are terrible I know…” and they’re not helping with the cause though four bidders certainly seem interested.

Yes, this is a special vehicle but maybe I lack imagination as I can’t fathom acquiring this big Benz and trying to put it back together, how about you?