What is a 250GD Wolf?
We know it as the G-Wagen today, but this luxury utility vehicle was once a serious military machine. In fact, the name Wolf was given to the 250GD by the German Bundeswehr armed forces. This military-spec version of the G-Wagen sports two doors, a convertible top, a fold-down windshield and a short wheelbase. Explore the heritage of this Mercedes-Benz vehicle and find out why it's one of the most unique G-Wagens ever produced.
Photo Credit: German Bundeswehr
The Storied History of the Wolf
The Mercedes-Benz 250GD Wolf was developed for use as a military infantry utility vehicle, designed to perform well in the world's most unforgiving environments. In addition to the Bundeswehr, the Norwegian, Canadian, and many other armed forces relied on this version of the G-Wagen.
The Wolf was used and deployed in countries all around the word such as Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Spain. Some countries even used the 250GD as an emergency services transport vehicle as it was popular with fire stations and other emergency brigades.
Designed for Combat
Unlike the modern G-Wagen you'll find at your local Mercedes dealership, the Wolf's original interior was stripped of all but the basics. It included purpose-built features designed to aid a soldier in an active combat environment, such as a map light, turret mount, ammo box, and fold-down windshield.
The Wolf was built with many off-roading components that allowed it to thrive in harsh conditions. It was built with the extremely reliable OM602 diesel engine, front and rear differential lockers, live axles, and a fully-synchronized 4x4 transfer case.
Photo Credit: German Bundeswehr
A Vehicle Like No Other
The Wolf continues to draw fascination decades after its release because of a few unique features. It was one of the few G-Wagen models ever made with a convertible top, and it epitomizes the spirit of a rugged vehicle that can truly go anywhere or do anything. With few examples of the Wolf remaining, it now has collector-grade rarity with a one-of-a-kind drive.
The Luxury Restoration Process
At Expedition Motor Company, we use a 100-point restoration process to give these robust military vehicles new life. We rebuild every aspect of the 1990-1993 Wolf G-Wagen in a top-to-bottom restoration that takes more than 2,300 hours to complete. We ensure our trucks are built to the highest standards so our clients get to experience the pleasure of driving a properly restored Wolf.
Our craftsmen complete each step of the restoration in-house, repairing the frame, body, engine, transmission, suspension, axels, brakes, and interior. In addition to restoring the vehicle’s original components, EMC also makes minimally invasive upgrades designed to improve the drive while maintaining the integrity of the vintage experience:
- Interior fitted with plush, durable weatherproof upholstery
- Climate control updates: A/C, heat, and front & rear heated seats
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and backup camera added for convenience
- Brakes upgraded for enhanced stopping power
- Proprietary suspension system installed to improve the ride quality
All of these upgrades are seamlessly integrated and do not take away from the truck’s vintage feel. We focus on what makes the Wolf unique, ensuring that the analog automotive experience is always preserved. Our team has spent, and continues to spend, a great deal of time engineering the EMC Wolf so it has the perfect blend of vintage allure and modern capability. We strive to capture that unique sense of quality and charm embodied by classic 1990’s European cars.
If you're interested in test driving a vintage G-Wagen Wolf or finding out why Expedition Motor Company's trucks were named the most authentic G-Wagens by Car and Driver Magazine, reach out today to schedule a visit.