Expedition Motor Company Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, we have received many of the same questions from clients researching the EMC Wolf and our restoration program. This FAQ is meant to serve as a clear reference for our restomod G-Wagons, build process, and restoration process.

Do you offer upgraded engines?

Yes. We offer four engine options for our builds:

• Mercedes OM602 diesel – the original “million-mile” five-cylinder and authentic beating heart of the 250GD Wolf.

• Mercedes OM605a turbodiesel – a period-correct Mercedes-Benz five-cylinder turbo with 225 horsepower and 300 lb-ft torque, offering more power and refinement while retaining OEM lineage.

• Mercedes OM606a turbodiesel – a 3.0L six-cylinder turbo that delivers 275 horsepower and 350 lb-ft torque, providing strong torque for our SWB and LWB builds.

• GM LS3 V8 – a 6.2L gasoline V8 producing 350–430 horsepower, chosen for its broad torque band, reliability, and excellent global parts availability.

Each engine has its own character, but all are integrated and engineered specifically for the W461 G-Wagon platform.

What is your restoration process like?

Not all G Wagon "restorations" or "restomods" follow the same standard. At Expedition Motor Company, every build is true ground-up restoration. Each EMC Wolf begins with a complete frame-off teardown. The chassis is stripped, the body is taken to bare metal, and every subsystem – body, frame, axels, suspension, brakes, steering, wiring, interior, etc – is either restored, replaced, or re-engineered. Our current "V6" (version 6) trucks receive over 2,500 man-hours of in-house work before they leave our shop.

Key components such as our proprietary suspension, AMG braking systems, upgraded engines, and a redesigned interior create a collector-grade result with improved comfort, drivability, and reliability.

Documentation is a core part of the process. Every build that is restored is photographed along the way, showing the our process start to finish. You can view our photo gallery here:

https://www.expeditionmotorcompany.com/restoration/

EMC has restored and delivered over 175 builds since its founding.

Do you restore any G-Wagons other than the 250GD?

Yes. While our core focus has always been the Mercedes 250GD Wolf, we can also restore other G-Wagon configurations. Historically, most of our work has centered on the short wheelbase 250GD cabrio, given its desirable SWB body style, frameless windows, and fold-down windshield.

However, if you are looking for a long wheelbase G Wagon, 4-door, or hardtop configuration, we can accommodate that as a commissioned build. The same frame-off, in-house restoration process applies, and these projects are planned individually.

Do you restore long wheelbase cabriolet G-Wagons?

Yes. In addition to the short wheelbase 250GD Wolf, we also restore the Mercedes-Benz 250GD Long Wheelbase cabriolet. These LWB builds maintain the analog character of the Wolf while providing additional seating and interior volume, making them an option for clients who need more space without giving up the open-top experience.

Do you restore any other models such as the Defender or Bronco?

No, we do not. EMC was founded on passion for the 250GD Wolf. Our focus on this model has allowed us to continually refine our product and produce the highest-quality vintage Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons on the market.

How long does a build take?

Build timelines depend on body style and specification:

• Short Wheelbase (SWB) builds take approximately 6 months from the start of restoration.

• Long Wheelbase (LWB) builds take approximately 8 months. 

For clients who prefer not to wait, we usually maintain an inventory of 1–2 vintage G-Wagons that are available immediately, already fully restored and ready for delivery.

What does the build process look like?

The process begins with a deposit to secure your build slot:

• A 30% deposit secures the next available build slot.

• We schedule video meetings to develop and finalize your specification: engine, transmission, exterior color, interior, soft top, wheels, and options.

• 30% is due at the time of painting. 

• You receive build update photos and progress communication throughout the restoration.

• The final 40% is due at the time of shipping, when the truck is complete and prepared for enclosed transport.

This structure is designed to keep the process transparent and paced alongside key stages of the restoration.

Can you ship my build to my home?

Yes, complimentary enclosed shipping in the USA is included with every purchase.

Can you restore my existing G-Wagon?

While almost all of our clients proceed with our curated donor vehicles, we can. If you own a W460 or W461 G-Wagon and would like us to restore it, we can accept it as a client-supplied donor. Your vehicle will undergo the same frame-off restoration process we use for our internal builds.

Where do you source your Geländewagens?

Our donor G-Wagons are sourced from multiple regions around the world. Because our clients have a strong demand for cabrio models, we maintain first right of refusal contracts with several European militaries for their outgoing units.

These contracts allow us to select the vehicles we want to work on, giving us control over condition and ensuring we can provide the best possible trucks for restoration.

What are the EMC G-Wagon dimensions and GVWR? Do they qualify for Section 179?

EMC 250GD Wolf (Short Wheelbase):
Length: 169"
Width: 77.5"
Width with mirrors folded: 74"
Height: 76–78" (depending on tire selection)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 6,504 lbs (2,950 kg)
Section 179 Qualified

EMC 250GD Long Wheelbase (LWB):
Length: 188"
Width: 77.5"
Width with mirrors folded: 74"
Height: 78–80" (depending on tire selection)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 6,504 lbs (2,950 kg)
Section 179 Qualified

Many clients who are business owners discuss Section 179 benefits with their CPA for our trucks given their GVWR of 6,504 lbs.

Do you sell parts?

No. Expedition Motor Company does not sell parts separately. Our focus is on complete, fully restored G-Wagon builds. All components we develop or source are used within our in-house restoration program.

Can you ship a truck outside the U.S.?

Yes. We can ship your truck to any country in the world. Over the years, we have built a strong network of freight forwarders who specialize in transporting vehicles internationally.

What makes a G-Wagon a “Wolf”?

“Wolf” is a codename originally used by the German military for their version of the Geländewagen. Not every G-Wagon qualifies. To be considered a true Wolf , a vehicle must:

• Have a fold-down windshield

• Be Short Wheelbase (SWB)

• Be a convertible / cabriolet

• Be a 250GD (diesel-powered)

• Be a genuine Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, not a Puch

These criteria are part of why the 250GD Wolf has become such a desirable base for restoration. At EMC, this is the platform we have focused on and developed continuously since 2017.

Can I visit your showroom?

Yes. We are based in Frenchtown, New Jersey, and are available by appointment seven days a week. Our location is approximately one hour from Manhattan and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Visits typically include a shop tour and test drive. If you would like to schedule a visit, you can reach out through our website contact form, email, or phone to coordinate a time that works.

Where can I design or configure my build?

Working with the client to develop a creative vision is a core part of our restoration program. Clients can enjoy our custom G Wagon configurator here.

How many exterior colors do you offer?

When selecting exterior finish, clients have multiple options:

1. Select a color from our curated collection of paints specifically chosen for the G-Wagon (30+).

2. Provide us with their favorite paint code from any auto manufacturer.

3. Work with our paint-to-sample department for a one-of-a-king paint job.

What interior materials do you offer?

Staying true to the utilitarian roots of the Wolf, we finish our interiors with durable yet plush weatherproof materials. This allows use without the worry of damage after a dip in the ocean or a little drizzle. Clients have the opportunity to select from over 35 colors.

That being said, we have also worked with clients in the past to use other materials such as genuine leather or alcantara.

Do your builds have Air Conditiong?

Yes, all of our builds are equipped with air conditioning as standard. Other notable interior features include:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Premium Harman sound
• Backup camera
• Heated seats (front and rear)
• Phone chargers (front and rear)
• AAA European Oak or Mahogany wood trim