Sounds just like a movie
 

"Got a fair few G's in stock, what are you after?"

You two sound like the exchange James Dean has in Rebel Without a Cause:
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What are you rebelling against?"

James Dean: "What'ya got?"

g-class
 

I have a 1980 280GE, bought from a private seller in OR through the clubgwagen website classifieds. Nice truck, except I had to spend 5-6K getting everything sorted out- only has 27K miles (verified) and things were gummed up. If you don't mind going kind of slow, they are fun to drive- a little tiring, but typical 80s MB quality (like a rock) and unbelievable 4wd capability...far beyond anything I will likely use. No AC but the best ventilation of any car I've owned since I can't recall when....only thing better is a boat with a flying bridge.

One of them Indian guys would be yours truly:)

how 'bout a pix for one that has no clue . . . . .?

Pics and demo video at www.force4x4.com

Awesome site. What would one in the United States expect to pay for something like that, more specifically a fixer-upper?

nice machines. nice web site, thanks.

Thanks for the compliemnt guys, the site is run by another forum member RRNSS who also owns a Judo. Would be fun if it could be imported into US, the price factor would itself mean that it would be an unbeatable bargain. The new ones would be getting the OM611 CRDI instead of OM616 turbo.

Except that the PRICE factor of getting it certified to USDOT and USEPA standards - i.e US legal - would turn it into a very much of a non-bargain.

The price here is around US$13000 apprx, so even if money is added up for necessary certification, not a bad bargain for a MB powertrain, highly competent 4WD with diff locks, PTO etc. Better than the Chinese army 4WD which is being imported into US.

Federalization to US standards will cost US$15,000-US$20,000 and up.

Good point, then its certainly not worth it.

Federalization is very expensive
 

Federalization would cost far more than that. First there is the crash testing. You'd need 1 spare for the successful crash test and 1 spare for each unsuccessful test. Then there are the engineering modifications required to make it pass. Got airbags? No, you need to engineer those in. Seatbelt interlocks? Park interlock? DOT lights? The roof looks very weak. Next, that "Mercedes derived" engine isn't US spec even when MB makes it. Figure $40K just for that step. It goes on and on.

Gwagens in USA
 

Who you want to call is Sean Philyaw at EuroTruck Importers in Oakwood, Georgia. He knows what you can bring into the USA, how to federalize them, etc etc. I bought an illegal one (from someone else, not Sean) and it was the worst mistake I could have made. I now have a legally federalized 280GE and love it. Sean knows every part in these vehicles, has good prices, and will tell you how to fix things etc etc. Great guys.

Is EuroTruck Importers a Registered Importer?