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No reserve!

1999 Mercedes-Benz G500 Cabriolet

words by ShiftGate

$243,000 CAD Sold
Auction Ended Status
32 Bids
Sold
No reserve!

1999 Mercedes-Benz G500 Cabriolet

words by ShiftGate

The Rare G-Wagen Convertible

When you see a G-Wagen in the wild, it’s assumed the driver is a celebrity or athlete thanks in part to the clever marketing created by a small automotive importer, based in New Mexico, going on 30 years ago. The fact that Mercedes’ old school G-Class is based on extremely rugged, utilitarian roots is just icing on the cake for car enthusiasts who get their hands on one. Of late, the brawny AMG or bonkers 4×4 Squared models get all the limelight but the two-door G500 Cabriolet seen here is a far rarer beast on North American shores.

History

The story goes that the Shah of Iran convinced Mercedes to compete with the Land Rovers and Cruisers dominating military and government off-road duty back in the 70s. So, an agreement was formed between Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch to build a Geländewagen or “off-road vehicle”. Testing took place in the Sahara and Arctic Circle, triple-locking differentials were fitted and body-on-frame construction ensured the new G-Wagen would be known far and wide for its off-road prowess.

Fast forward to 1990 and Mercedes decided it was time to sell a civilian model with luxury on par with it’s S-Class. Body-colored fenders and running boards dressed up the outside while the interior gained wood and leather trim, plusher seats and an improved instrument panel. US customers were not expected to have any use for such a vehicle so the G-Class wasn’t officially sold here. However, Europa International, a small North American automotive importer took it upon themselves to handle the pricey federalization process and began marketing the trucks to their well-heeled clientele.

It was such a hit that Mercedes finally decided to add the G-Class to their official US model range in 2002. In those 30 odd years since it was introduced in military running gear, the G never really changed. Body styles, engines and all manner of forced induction were added but the basic box-on-a-ladder with loads of off-road gear has always remained. Including on the G500 Cabriolet you see here. This short-wheelbase convertible with a power-operated soft top is exceptionally rare on North American shores. “Regular” G-Wagens are unusual in their own right but there are very few of these G-Cabs on the road.

A Decidedly Non-Conformist SUV

Showing well in its silver finish, this G500 Cabriolet features an electrohydraulic, black soft top that is locked and unlocked manually but features power-operated opening and closing that takes about 30 seconds. The hydraulic piston that controls this movement has been rebuilt. Running boards and headlamp grilles are fitted as is a stainless-steel spare tire carrier mounted on the rear. 18” AMG five-spoke alloys with triple-pointed star center caps that are wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion rubber sized 275/60 were installed in June 2018.

Originally a Japanese market vehicle, upon importation to British Columbia in 2017, North American DOT-approved head light assemblies, daytime-running lights, rear high-mount third brake light with associated harnesses and relays were fitted.

Top-Down Motoring Is Better

The black leather interior shows some wear on the power-adjustable seats and is complimented by wood trim on the steering wheel, dashboard and center console. The dual-range transfer case shifter is mounted behind the transmission lever and buttons on the dashboard control the three locking differentials. Upon importation from Japan to Canada in 2017, a North American-spec Mercedes-Benz OEM stereo and cassette deck was installed.

As Much Capability As You Can Handle

A 5.0L, naturally aspirated V8 resides under the hood that made 292 hp and 336 lb-of torque when new. Mated to a five-speed automatic, power is routed to the rear wheels or all four as needed. Locking differentials are located front, center and rear allowing the G-Wagen to tackle the toughest off-road terrain.

An oil change with filter, new air filter, fresh spark plugs and replacement battery were all installed after importation in 2017. At the time, a safety inspection including brakes, suspension and emissions components was performed. Per the seller, there are no current issues with this G-Cab.

Prepare For The Stares

Originally exported to Japan, the G500 Cabriolet was imported to Vancouver, British Columbia in August 2017. Currently located and registered in Richmond, BC, approximately 4,300 km of the total 64,000 km have been added since arrival.

This 1999 G500 Cabriolet is an extremely exclusive SUV that can happily trundle about the Arctic tundra, deepest woods or desert playscape on command. G-Wagens are a pillar of automotive enthusiasm, as iconic as a Porsche 911 or Chevy Corvette. A throwback to simple off-road fun with a dash of luxury, this G500 Cabriolet is sure to thrill any gearhead.

A Decidedly Non-Conformist SUV

Showing well in its silver finish, this G500 Cabriolet features an electrohydraulic, black soft top that is locked and unlocked manually but features power-operated opening and closing that takes about 30 seconds. The hydraulic piston that controls this movement has been rebuilt. Running boards and headlamp grilles are fitted as is a stainless-steel spare tire carrier mounted on the rear. 18” AMG five-spoke alloys with triple-pointed star center caps that are wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion rubber sized 275/60 were installed in June 2018.

Originally a Japanese market vehicle, upon importation to British Columbia in 2017, North American DOT-approved head light assemblies, daytime-running lights, rear high-mount third brake light with associated harnesses and relays were fitted.

Top-Down Motoring Is Better

The black leather interior shows some wear on the power-adjustable seats and is complimented by wood trim on the steering wheel, dashboard and center console. The dual-range transfer case shifter is mounted behind the transmission lever and buttons on the dashboard control the three locking differentials. Upon importation from Japan to Canada in 2017, a North American-spec Mercedes-Benz OEM stereo and cassette deck was installed.

As Much Capability As You Can Handle

A 5.0L, naturally aspirated V8 resides under the hood that made 292 hp and 336 lb-of torque when new. Mated to a five-speed automatic, power is routed to the rear wheels or all four as needed. Locking differentials are located front, center and rear allowing the G-Wagen to tackle the toughest off-road terrain.

An oil change with filter, new air filter, fresh spark plugs and replacement battery were all installed after importation in 2017. At the time, a safety inspection including brakes, suspension and emissions components was performed. Per the seller, there are no current issues with this G-Cab.

Prepare For The Stares

Originally exported to Japan, the G500 Cabriolet was imported to Vancouver, British Columbia in August 2017. Currently located and registered in Richmond, BC, approximately 4,300 km of the total 64,000 km have been added since arrival.

This 1999 G500 Cabriolet is an extremely exclusive SUV that can happily trundle about the Arctic tundra, deepest woods or desert playscape on command. G-Wagens are a pillar of automotive enthusiasm, as iconic as a Porsche 911 or Chevy Corvette. A throwback to simple off-road fun with a dash of luxury, this G500 Cabriolet is sure to thrill any gearhead.

Exterior (62)
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Interior (70)
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Mechanical (26)
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Details (82)
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When applicable, Hagerty Price Guide estimates are based off information shared by the seller.

BorderBuddy importation quotes are estimates only. The quote includes duties calculated in range of the potential final selling price.

  • Auction has ended

  • Final Bid

    $243,000 CAD by hokieajb ¤0*

  • Auction Ended

    Wednesday, January 26 at 11:11pm

  • Bids

    32

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*Approximate. Based on live conversion rate

53 Comments & Bids

1

congrats @hokieajb You got lucky I didn’t see this, it would have been perfect for me to roll around down here in florida. I guess i’ll just have to keep going in my miata for now. At least it’s silver so i can kinda live the dream. lol

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1

i wonder how many of these are in north america? It’s got to be tiny. G wagons used to be such a rarity until MB figured out that the rich & famous like to cruise down ocean drive in them. Now all you see are farm vehicles parked in Beverly Hills

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1

This has to be some sort of record?

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5

bidder

Wow what a finish. Didn’t get a chance to watch the end. Congrats

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1

super cool, would love to see one of these sitting next to a 6×6 lol

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32

Thank you @rennsportauto and @hokieajb well done everyone.
-sgconcierge

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1

bidder

This website is busted! I was trying to put in a bid for $250K and this crap kept crashing/freezing. Shiftgate needs to get their tech together, how sad.

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7

seller

Thank you everyone who has placed the bids and watched this auction for the past 3 weeks. This is the second time that Shiftgate Garage represent my company and it has been a real pleasure working with them. They are very professional compare to the other platforms that I have used before. I wish them all the success in the coming future

@hokieajb Will be in touch soon. You will enjoy this G Cabrio.

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5

congrats @hokieajb amazing truck! So unique

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5

Sold to hokieajb for $243,000 CAD

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HIGHLIGHTS

Lot # 146

Sale Type: No reserve

Seller: rennsportauto

Location: Richmond, BC

VIN #: WDB4632061X117053

64k kilometers

5.0L V8

Automatic

Silver paint

Black leather interior

Clean Title

Dealer

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