Founder
Meet Expedition Motor Company, Alex Levin’s commitment to building the highest quality and most authentically restored vintage convertible G-Wagens on the market.
Meet Expedition Motor Company, Alex Levin’s commitment to building the highest quality and most authentically restored vintage convertible G-Wagens on the market.
While working in private equity and commercial real estate, Alex returned to his childhood passion for the Geländewagen and began restoring two 250GD Wolfs for his personal collection. That process made something immediately clear: properly restoring an ex-military W461 G-Wagen was in a category of difficulty that restoration shops were not touching.
He built the solution himself. In 2017, Alex set out to pioneer a standard for the vintage Mercedes-Benz 250GD that did not exist: obsessive attention to detail, engineering for the modern driver, and a true “top-to-bottom” restoration. What started as two personal restorations became a story of sharing a passion with the world.
A word from Alex:
“What we build is rooted in a golden era of motoring, an old school cool that is becoming increasingly rare. The balance between originality and modern technology is so important, we preserve what makes the vintage Geländewagen special, then infuse modern technology only where it meaningfully improves the driving experience. Each sixth generation (V6) build takes over 2,500 man-hours, producing a collector-grade G-Wagen that honors the 250GD’s history while offering the confidence and usability of a modern vehicle.”
Company Background
Over the last eight years, EMC has collaborated with its clients to develop a personalized, actionable vision for the rare 250GD Wolf and 250GD Long Wheelbase. Every build that comes out of our shop is built 100% in-house by our team of skilled craftsmen with 500 years of collective experience in the art of vintage German automobile restoration.
Over the last eight years, EMC has collaborated with its clients to develop a personalized, actionable vision for the rare 250GD Wolf and 250GD Long Wheelbase. Every build that comes out of our shop is built 100% in-house by our team of skilled craftsmen with 500 years of collective experience in the art of vintage German automobile restoration.
We take preserving the G-Wagen’s storied history very seriously. As a result of this, we strive to utilize as much of the original truck as possible while also ensuring a product that we are proud of. In our eyes, if we omit the purpose-built components such as the ammunition box, folding windshield, or passenger map light, we would effectively be stripping the 250GD of its identity. That being said, we have also invested tens of thousands of hours in research and development to fabricate parts that enhance the driving experience. We pay homage while also committing to excellence.
Our Values
We are fueled by our obsession with the Mercedes-Benz 250GD Wolf and 250GD Long Wheelbase, but are equally driven by a belief that the analog automotive experience is worth preserving. In a time where cars are becoming numb and nanny-laden, we are happy to confirm our trucks do not drive themselves. They ask something of you. In return, they give you something most modern vehicles can’t.
We are fueled by our obsession with the Mercedes-Benz 250GD Wolf and 250GD Long Wheelbase, but are equally driven by a belief that the analog automotive experience is worth preserving. In a time where cars are becoming numb and nanny-laden, we are happy to confirm our trucks do not drive themselves. They ask something of you. In return, they give you something most modern vehicles can’t.
Our process is built around craft, attention to detail, and thoughtful engineering for the modern driver. We work alongside our clients to develop their creative vision for a tailored classic cabrio G-Wagen that delivers one of the most unique driving experiences available on the market.
Der Geländewagen
The Geländewagen's history is a storied one dating back to the 1970's. The boxy truck that we know and love was developed due to a request from the Shah of Iran to create a military vehicle capable of conquering any terrain.
The Geländewagen's history is a storied one dating back to the 1970's. The boxy truck that we know and love was developed due to a request from the Shah of Iran to create a military vehicle capable of conquering any terrain.
The initial designs of the vehicle generated so much buzz, that Mercedes-Benz ended up evolving the model for civilian use. In 1979, the first G-Wagen rolled out of the factory in Graz, Austria being marketed as the "G-Model". Here, the Mercedes Geländewagen was born with a contemporary design and an adventure-ready demeanor. Thanks to its military influence, the civilian G-Wagen was built to be reliable and extremely capable in the world's most unforgiving environments.
In one of a few departures from the Geländewagen's rugged nature, Mercedes released a more luxurious version of the model in 1989 due to growing demand for a more plush experience.
Learn more about the history of the G-Wagen by clicking the button below.
Der Wolf
This, ladies and gentlemen, is our bread and butter.
The Mercedes-Benz 250GD is the ex-military W461 no-nonsense Geländewagen built for hard use in the world’s most unforgiving conditions. Today, we build both of the iconic convertible 250GD variants: the short wheelbase Wolf and long wheelbase 250GD, each with its own personality.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is our bread and butter.
The Mercedes-Benz 250GD is the ex-military W461 no-nonsense Geländewagen built for hard use in the world’s most unforgiving conditions. Today, we build both of the iconic convertible 250GD variants: the short wheelbase Wolf and long wheelbase 250GD, each with its own personality.
The 250GD Wolf:
“Wolf” was a nickname given to the short wheelbase, 2-door, frameless window, diesel 250GD by the German Bundeswehr armed forces. It is the version of the G-Wagen that feels most like a tool, in the best way. With combat-era details like the ammo box, map light, and other military-spec touches, the Wolf has a true purpose-built utilitarian character combined with the desirable and rare SWB body.
The 250GD Long Wheelbase:
The long wheelbase 250GD, also with 2 doors, frameless windows, and a fold-down windshield, brings a different kind of presence. You get the same military roots and convertible silhouette, with additional rear space that was originally used for larger equipment such as military radio communications sets, power generators, and medical equipment.
One Standard, Two Expressions:
We preserve the 250GD’s identity while engineering it to be truly enjoyable in modern life. Upgrades include OM605a/OM606a/LS3 V8 engines, proprietary suspension, AMG braking systems, and a completely redesigned interior with premium weather-proof materials, wireless Apple Carplay, heated seats, air conditioning, and premium harman sound.
