The Mercedes G-Wagen – or more accurately, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class - was initially developed as a military vehicle, supposedly as a result of a suggestion by the Shah of Iran. Work started in 1972 under a joint agreement between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch of Graz, Austria, with production of a civilian version beginning in 1979. The vehicle was manufactured by Magna Steyr (formerly Steyr-Daimler-Puch) and sold by Mercedes-Benz.

Very much in the style of a Land Rover-type cross-country vehicle, with utilitarian appearance; body-on-frame construction and four-wheel drive with fully locking differentials, the G-Class has achieved a great reputation for durability and reliability. It remains in production and is one of the longest-running series in M-B's history. Over the years it has received several revisions and been available in many body variants with numerous engine options. Whilst the more basic military use has continued, the civilian versions have generally become more powerful, luxurious and sophisticated.

This short wheelbase, 2-door convertible variant – a first series W460 model - was first registered in 1987 and supplied to the Singapore Army, so is both righthand drive and in a full military camouflage finish. We know little of its military service – other than it has not seen a great deal of use and assume it would have been regularly and carefully maintained. Sold off as ‘Army surplus’, it was imported to, and re-registered, in the UK in March 2023, before moving to Jersey just a couple of months later.