The Mercedes-Benz 300 GD Cabriolet is surely one of the coolest Geländewagens ever built. We take a stunning example for a canter in the European countryside.
Words & Images: Wilhelm Lutjeharms
There is always a high level of excitement leading to the launch event and drive of certain new products. When the current generation Geländewagen (W463) was unveiled in 2018, I was looking forward to it immensely. It was, after all, basically an entirely new car from the ground up, and thankfully turbodiesel and AMG variants remained part of the product mix. I was wondering whether it would retain enough of its predecessor's appeal.
However, there was another reason why I was looking forward to the event. With so much heritage, Mercedes-Benz is one of those few brands that can wheel out suitable classic vehicles during launches, and occasionally make them available for a drive. I was hoping this would be the case with the G-Class as well...
I was in luck. Even though the focus was on the new vehicle and experiencing it in every possible way while having extended talks to all the knowledgeable engineers present, I grabbed the keys to this early 300 GD Cabriolet (W460) and headed off into the countryside for a short drive.
Behind the wheel
Having never experienced a classic Geländewagen, I told myself not to expect a lot, but at the same time I really wanted it to be truly impressive and memorable. We all love the legendary boxy design – it is after all one of the Geländewagen’s trademarks.
The fact that there is no roof in this instance further enhances the driving experience. As you shift rather quickly through the gearbox – with a fairly slick shift action – you realise that at around 100 to 110 km/h there is not much more on offer from the 3.0-litre diesel engine. That doesn’t matter though, as you have a slight breeze coming through the cabin and the sun bathing your shoulders, face and arms. You actually don’t feel the need at any time to drive any faster.
The chequered seat material (an impressive three seats in the second row), iconic steel wheels and large, full-size spare clinging to the rear are features that further contribute to the classic status these 4x4s command today.
Being a Mercedes-Benz Museum car it was in near-perfect condition, front to rear. The smooth running of the five-cylinder engine, the condition of the cabin and the exterior of the car all underline the meticulous approach the Museum takes with its vehicles. The steering wheel has been perfectly re-upholstered, but otherwise the overall condition only serves to prove that the 66 811 km odo reading must be this Geländewagen’s true mileage.
Casting my gaze over the dials reveals a clear, simple analogue setup, with those bespoke front and rear differential locks activated by two buttons to the right of the speedometer, should you want to venture seriously off-road.
I park the GD on an incline to have a better look at this compact 4x4 cabriolet from a distance. It is a design and concept that will never age. The fact that you can have such a capable 4x4 and can still experience the basics of a cabriolet is truly exceptional.
On my drive back I enjoyed looking through the upright windscreen and seeing those boxy indicator lights mounted on the far corners of the front fenders – as is still the case with today’s modern G-Class.
The driving experience and design is timeless and this car's classic status level should be considered the same as its two- and four-door siblings, if not even more so.
Needless to say, that evening I browsed the European classified websites in search for a Geländewagen Cabriolet – a true classic off-roader.
Specifications:
Model: Mercedes-Benz 300 GD Cabriolet 4x4
Engine: 3.0-litre, five-cylinder, diesel
Power: 66 kW at 4 400 rpm
Torque: 172 N.m at 2 400 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Weight: 1 765 kg
0-100 km/h: N/A
Top Speed: 127 km/h
Production years: 1979 - 1991