G-class

The G-class is the longest-running passenger car series in the history of the three-pointed star. Originally released in 1979, it was sold in Australia between 1983 and 1988. At that time, 4WD vehicles were fairly rudimentary pieces with basic interiors, light-truck chassis, live axles and leaf springs being the common design base.

That agricultural Mercedes-Benz was equipped with a 65kW 3.0-litre diesel engine or a 2.3-litre petrol engine. Both were underpowered and the wagon lacked any luxury trimmings.

Killed by cost at a time when the recently floated Australian dollar was not favourable to imports the G-class became the most expensive four-wheel-drive available at the time.

The G-class did however breed a band of enthusiastic followers as a capable and unique 4x4 and those who own them today treasure their 1980s vintage G-class wagons.