This is a G-Class like nothing else. Expedition Motor Company has taken a vintage G and completely restored and transformed it. The long-wheelbase convertible gets seating for eight, a modern engine, and has more luxury than a whole parking lot–full of original G-Class Benzes. And, with more style than a modern G could even dream of.
Fully Restored, Fully Awesome G-Class Cabrio LWB
Since 2017, New Jersey–based Expedition Motor Co. has restored hundreds of classic G-Class SUVs. Until this one, though, they had one thing in common. They were built around the special 250 GD model known as the Wolf. A short-wheelbase model with frameless windows and fold-down front glass, the Wolf Gs were built for (and used by) the armed forces around the globe.
This time around, Expedition is going bigger. The company’s new project is based around a long-wheelbase G-Wagen. That comes with benefits like better stability. It also has perks like seating for eight instead of six in the traditional SWB — seating that’s probably a lot more comfortable than it is in the shorter model.
More Diesel Torque or Gas Power
Original Wolf G-Class models come with a 2.5L OM602 inline-5 non-turbo diesel engine. The restored SUVs get a 606a, which adds a cylinder and a turbocharger to boost horsepower from less than 100 to 275 and brings torque to 350 pound-feet. It’s a more modern engine, and should deliver a more modern feel.
If that’s not enough, you can opt for a 430-horsepower Chevy LS3 V8 in a custom build that adds a few months to the lead time.
This is a milestone moment for Expedition Motor Company. For almost nine years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to perfecting the restoration of the SWB 250GD Wolf. The introduction of the Long Wheelbase Cabrio allows us to bring that same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail to a larger platform.
— Alex Levin, Founder of EMC
Expedition says that the restoration process takes more than 2,500 hours. That’s no surprise since its starters are military-spec models that have been used and abused. They’re pared back to a bare chassis and then rebuilt to be better than new. That’s before the company starts adding luxury and comfort options to make the former enlisted vehicle a lot more plush.
Expedition Motor Company Delivers All the Customization You Could Want
You can get your Wolf almost any way you’d like. The company’s configurator is loaded with choices for almost any part. Even multiple front grille and bumper picks and different singals. Various bikini-style and more elaborate tops in a range of colors are also offered.
You can stick with the standard suspension, which uses Bilstein shocks, or you can upgrade to adjustable Fox remote reservoir shocks. Of course, manual and automatic transmissions are available.
A long-wheelbase G starts from $235,000. That’s around $50,000 more than the SWB models like the one we drove a few months back.
If you get on the list now, build times start at 5 months. Unless this new model drives as much demand as we think it might, then you could be looking at longer.
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