Looking for an older Mercedes G - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BigBadBenz · #1 09-03-2006, 07:57 PM

I'm looking for an pre 1995 Mercedes G wagen anywhere in the US. I would import from eurpoe, but it seems like too much of a hassle to deal with Customs and EPA. Does anyone know any repuatable dealers?

Jim B. · #2 09-03-2006, 11:56 PM

Up until 2001, there was a company called Europa International in Santa Fe who was the only G Wagen importer in the United States, and brought them in for people willing to pay over $100,000 to get them, and there was a small but steady demand.

Then Mercedes started to import them and sell them through its dealers

Click www.richmondmercedes.com to look at some pictures of a nice one for sale. It's evidently a '94 with the good w117 V8 motor (like in the 560SEL) and it's up for sale by a licensed California dealer who has imported Gray Market Mercedes for over 25 years, and knows the process inside out.

I have personally known the owner, Barry Taylor, since 1985, when I met him at the time he had just certified and imported a new 1984 500SEC AMG coupe for a man I knew, and shortly after that I drove that car from San Francisco to Denver for the customer who was vacationing there.

Mr. Taylor is thinking of retiring pretty soon, and has a huge inventory of AMG parts in his shop. The heart of his business, though involves his trips to Europe where he cherry picks up slightly used Mercedes exotics (usually company executive cars) like Lorinser K50 S class sedans, AMG coupes and sedans and cars specially sought out by US customers back at home, and handles all DOT and EPA conversion processes involved with the cars.
He's been doing this for over 25 years and has gotten hundreds of Mercedes cars certified since he started. Through his business and family connections in Europe he has access to a wide source of cars, and can shop in Germany, Italy,Switzerland, Holland, Belgium.

He tends to cater to the carriage trade, and so the prices are high, but many of the vehicles are ultra rare, or one of vehicles tuned by Lorinser, AMG, Brabus, or Kleeman.

The website shows a 1994 Brabus G Wagen customized by Brabus in Germany in an unusual color, 69,000 miles on the clock for $45,000

His dealership and shop is located in Richmond, California, just across from San Francisco in the East Bay near Berkeley (close to the BART train stop)
and the website is www.richmondmercedes.com

I think the phone number is 510-235-3990 PST. Barry isn't a super internet or email enthusiast, but he's been heavily involved with the MBCA (Mercedes Benz Club of America) and he REALLY knows Mercedes cars, the process of importation and certification, and personally knows people such as Hans Werner Aufrecht, one of the founders (Aufrecht is the "A") of AMG and is VERY well informed and super interesting to talk to.

This isn't the only G wagon specifically he has imported, as I have seen another black one he brought in, but this one sounds like it would be worth a look. I don't know whether it has been through the EPA and DOT process, but I think it probably already has been.

Are you on the East coast? I trust Barry and think he does a good job, I have ridden in several of the cars he's brought in and seen several up close and they are really exotics.

You might want to think about calling. In any case, good luck in your hunt, I am sure you'll find a nice G wagen eventually

DUTCH · #3 09-04-2006, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

Click www.richmondmercedes.com to look at some pictures of a nice one for sale. It's evidently a '94 with the good w117 V8 motor (like in the 560SEL)

It's a 1993. 500 were made in that color as a special edition. It does not have the front locking differential, as MB felt at the time that the V8 was too powerful and might break the front axle if locked. Of interest is the fact that the engine is 241HP vs the current G500's 296HP.

That truck has been for sale for quite a long time and has been on Ebay more than once. I, personally, feel the $45k is way high; and this may be the reason it's not selling.

Leestraw · #4 10-07-2007, 09:59 PM

Are you still interested in a older G Wagen like a 1984 G230?

irantp4life · #5 10-12-2007, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBadBenz

I'm looking for an pre 1995 Mercedes G wagen anywhere in the US. I would import from eurpoe, but it seems like too much of a hassle to deal with Customs and EPA. Does anyone know any repuatable dealers?

I own a 1986 GWAGEN 280GE that I am selling and she has ALOT of G500 and G55 AMG options. Here she is with photographs.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=201678

DUTCH · #6 10-12-2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irantp4life

I own a 1986 GWAGEN 280GE that I am selling and she has ALOT of G500 and G55 AMG options. Here she is with photographs.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=201678

Are you planning to let potential buyers here know that your G has just been repaired after a major accident?

irantp4life · #7 10-12-2007, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUTCH

Are you planning to let potential buyers here know that your G has just been repaired after a major accident?

YES, I have it listed in MY FOR SALE LIST: ----• A paint job was recently done costing $3,500 because of a minor fender bender, that Mike the owner of Clubgwagen sold me the parts to replace because of my accident.----I have ALL repairs LIST THAT done at the AUTOSHOP on the GWAGEN and FULL records for the new OWNER. I KEEP all my RECORDS as I on all my automobiles. 15k is a FAIR PRICE for the MARKET for a good condition GWAGEN with various G500 and G55 AMG updates that has been in an ACCIDENT and has some RUST on her body. The buyer can take the vehicle TO ANY mechanic or check it out and I AM MORE than welcome to for any INSPECTION, before PURCHASE. You said MAJOR accident, you HAVE alot of history with GWAGENS so you have more knowledge that is ok with me. I am NEW to Gwagen WORLD, I only drive Gwagens to enjoy it, and DO NOT Know everything about them. So, ANY BUYER is FREE to take my GWAGEN to get inspected at a shop to CHECK frame, engine and rust on my GWAGEN.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=201678

DUTCH · #8 10-12-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irantp4life

YES, I have it listed in MY FOR SALE LIST: ----• A paint job was recently done costing $3,500 because of a minor fender bender,

Ira, I saw the accident photos and the damaged parts list. There was a whole lot more bent than just the fender.

Also, as far as the G500 and G55 "upgrades" are concerned, you can take an old dowager and gussy her up with a facelift and some fancy clothes; and, from a distance in a dimly lit nightclub, she might look pretty good. But in the morning - after you've taken her home with you and daylight hits her in the face - underneath all the facade, she's still a tired old lady with lots of warts, liver spots, sags and wrinkles.

irantp4life · #9 10-13-2007, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUTCH

Ira, I saw the accident photos and the damaged parts list. There was a whole lot more bent than just the fender.

Also, as far as the G500 and G55 "upgrades" are concerned, you can take an old dowager and gussy her up with a facelift and some fancy clothes; and, from a distance in a dimly lit nightclub, she might look pretty good. But in the morning - after you've taken her home with you and daylight hits her in the face - underneath all the facade, she's still a tired old lady with lots of warts, liver spots, sags and wrinkles.

YES, as I SAID BEFORE, about your KNOWLEDGE I am not disputing it. YES, I BOUGHT PARTS, not just a fender from MIKE at CLUBGWAGEN. TO REPAIR my vehicle it COST $3,500.00 and any person THAT is interested is WELCOME to inspect it and TAKE it to a INSPECTION at MERCEDES BENZ or AUTOSHOP of their CHOICE or BRING their OWN Mechanic or TECHNICIAN.

YES, ALOT OF PEOPLE, LOVE CLASSIC cars and UPDATE THEM with upgrades. THIS IS NOTHING NEW, 1970's MUSCLE CARS, AMX JAVALIN, STUDEBAKER AVANTI, FORD MUSTANGS, adding updated ENGINE SPECS, AERO KITS, new BADGES to name a FEW. EVERYONE does their own thing to fit their LIFESTYLE. TO tell you I enjoy working on my GWAGEN but it is time for a CHANGE. I am moving away from my 280GE GWAGEN because I am concentrating on my RALLEY RACING secondary CAREER and I am going to buy A HIGH PERFORMANCE Modified ENGINE MERCEDES-BENZ. In my ADVERTISEMENT I clearly say UPGRADES, not a REPLICA OF A G55 AMG. I have modified DUAL EXHAUST, CHROME Light guards and G55 AMG molding that is all, nothing more, nothing less and G500 Rims. A Buyer can clearly see my UPGRADES and compare it to a G55 AMG and G500. Everyone LOVES to take care of themselves with TLC

, ask Donald Trump with his comb over, to appear to look young to cover that bald spot, but he still has a strong business man attitude that does NOT give up and keeps on GOING to succeed, just like a OLDER Classic Mature GWAGEN with a comeover and some TLC.

irantp4life · #10 10-17-2007, 09:37 AM

Well it has come to that DAY, my GWAGEN 280ge is sold and on her way to Fairfield, Iowa with the new owner Aaron. I MISS her already BUT since she is sold and my GMC Typhoon it is time for me to GET my new MERCEDES GWAGEN and COMPETE in local sanctioned or Hot-rod RACE RALLYS.

irantp4life · #11 10-26-2007, 03:57 AM

I'm looking to buy a set of G55 rims and tires. If anybody is a det for sale please email me:

irantp4life@yahoo.com

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