Expedition Motor Company: Common Questions Answered
Expedition Motor Company is the longest-running and most experienced restorer of the vintage Mercedes-Benz convertible G-Wagon in the world. The questions below cover who we are, how we work, and what a commission looks like from start to finish.
How long has Expedition Motor Company been restoring G-Wagons?
Expedition Motor Company has been restoring the Mercedes-Benz 250GD Wolf since 2017, giving us nearly a decade of exclusive, continuous experience on this platform. No other builder has been working on the Wolf G-Wagon for as long, or at the level of depth we have developed over that time.
How many G-Wagons has Expedition Motor Company restored?
We have completed and delivered over 175 builds since founding. Each one has been a frame-off restoration carried out entirely in-house by our team of 26 craftsmen. Every subsystem — engine, chassis, suspension, brakes, electrical, interior — is disassembled, restored, and rebuilt under one roof.
How have EMC's builds changed over the years?
Our restoration program has gone through six distinct generations, referred to internally as V1 through V6. Each generation represents a structured evolution of the previous one — not just cosmetic updates, but engineering improvements across suspension, drivetrain integration, acoustic refinement, interior design, and build process. A V6 build is a significantly more developed product than a V1, and each generation has been informed by the builds that came before it. The V6 is the current generation and the most refined Wolf we have produced to date.
How many hours does it take to build an EMC Wolf?
Each V6 build requires over 2,500 man-hours of in-house work from start to finish. That figure covers disassembly, metalwork and paint, mechanical and drivetrain installation, electrical systems, interior fabrication, and final calibration and testing. Everything is done by our own team — nothing is outsourced.
What engine options does Expedition Motor Company offer?
We offer four engine options, each suited to a different driving preference:
Mercedes OM602 diesel — the original engine fitted to the 250GD Wolf. A naturally aspirated 2.5L five-cylinder known for its longevity and mechanical simplicity. The authentic choice for those who want the truck exactly as it was designed.
Mercedes OM605a turbodiesel — a period-correct Mercedes five-cylinder producing 225 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. A meaningful step up in power and refinement while keeping a genuine Mercedes engine under the hood.
Mercedes OM606a turbodiesel — a 3.0L six-cylinder producing 275 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful of our Mercedes diesel options, well-suited to both the short and long wheelbase platform. Both turbodiesels are comfortable at highway speeds and retain the character of the original platform.
GM LS3 V8 — a brand-new 6.2L crate engine producing 430 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The LS3 is our most powerful option and one of the most widely recognized and supported engines ever produced. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and is chosen by clients who want modern performance they are familiar with.
What is the payment structure for commissioning an EMC Wolf?
The build process begins with a 30% deposit, which secures your slot in our build queue. A further 30% is due at the time of painting, and the remaining 40% is due at the time of shipping when the truck is complete and ready for delivery. Following the initial deposit, we FedEx our material swatch book directly to you and schedule a series of creative design meetings to finalize your specification.
Can I choose any exterior color for my build?
Yes. Clients are not limited to colors we have used before or colors available on our online configurator. We can match any paint code from any manufacturer, work from a reference color, or develop a custom paint-to-sample finish. If you have a specific color in mind, we can build to it.
What interior materials and colors are available?
Our standard interior material is a weatherproof faux leather available in over 35 colors. The material is engineered for durability and is easy to clean — it holds up well to beach use, wet clothing, sand, and pets without degrading or staining. It was a deliberate choice for clients who use their trucks in real conditions rather than keeping them as display vehicles. For clients who prefer genuine leather or an alternative material, we have previously accommodated those requests on commissioned builds.
What features come standard on a current EMC Wolf?
All current V6 builds include wireless Apple CarPlay, air conditioning, heated seats, a backup camera, and a premium Harman sound system. These are integrated as standard rather than offered as options, and they are fitted discreetly so that the interior still reads as a purposeful, period-correct environment.
Where is Expedition Motor Company located, and can I visit?
We are based in Frenchtown, New Jersey, approximately one hour from Manhattan and Newark Liberty International Airport. Visits are available by appointment seven days a week and typically include a shop tour and test drive.
