1979 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Convertible (W460) 290 GD Turbodiesel 4AT AWD (120 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The iconic-looking Mercedes-Benz G-Class started its career in 1979, and the entry-level version was offered in an open-top configuration and available with a short wheelbase.

In the early ‘70s, Mercedes-Benz started to work on a new off-road vehicle that became the 1979 G-Class. The G in its nameplate came from Gelandewagen, which means off-road vehicle. The car’s development started when the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a significant stakeholder in Mercedes-Benz, convinced the carmaker’s board to develop a vehicle that could go anywhere. It was a great idea, especially since the European off-road vehicle market started to pick up speed after Land Rover introduced the Range Rover in 1970 and the Series III in 1971. The German brand partnered with the Austrian company Steyr to produce the car, which was mostly hand-built. As a result, the open-top version was the most affordable one, especially since all versions were made on a ladder chassis.

The car had to feature a short front overhang. To do that, the carmaker’s designers had to create a flat front fascia. To protect it from scratches and elements, it sported a broad black grille that also integrated the high-mounted headlights. Above them, on top of the fenders, the automaker installed the parking lights and the turn signals, an element that also became a trademark for the vehicle. From its profile, the G-Class Convertible featured a flat and steep windshield. The flat side panels were crossed front to back by a black trim interrupted only by the grab-type door handles. Behind the doors, the automaker installed a safety arch that protected the front occupants in the event of a rollover crash. Behind it, the manually retractable canvas roof featured plastic windows. Finally, out back, the automaker installed a side-hinged half-door that also doubled as support for the spare wheel.

Inside the cabin, the automaker placed two flat seats for the front occupants and a folding bench in the back. In front of the driver, Mercedes-Benz installed a small instrument cluster filled with three dials that showed the speed on the left, the rev counter in the upper-middle position, and the fuel and temperature gauges on the right. In addition, there were a few warning lights. On the center stack, the G-Class Convertible featured the controls for the heater, an ashtray, and an optional stereo. Between the front seats, the automaker installed the levers that locked the front and rear differentials, the gear stick, and the transfer case lever.

Mercedes-Benz offered the G-Class Convertible with a choice of four engines, two gasoline and two diesel. These were paired as standard with a four-speed manual transmission. Later, a four-speed automatic became available for the 300 GD version. Thanks to its rigid axles and the coil springs, the car performed excellently in off-road situations, but on regular roads, not so much. But still, that didn’t scare customers.