The Mercedes G-Class, Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender are legendary autos on and off the overwhelmed observe. But these traditional 4x4s have lengthy change into sought-after luxurious autos as restomods – obtainable, if desired, even with electrical drives.
Driving an odd Mercedes G-Class by means of the posh districts of Beverly Hills, Dubai or Grünwald is hardly more likely to entice consideration. Even the extra down-to-earth Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover Defender now not flip heads. Hardcore off-road fanatics usually lament that the present variations of those more and more costly off-road legends have misplaced a lot of their rugged allure. Options like digital shows, luxurious trim or driver help methods don’t sit nicely with autos whose roots return over forty years. Increasingly specialist corporations have recognised this development and now convert 4×4 classics into extremely unique off-roaders that retain historic attraction whereas catering to rising demand for personalisation.
Restomods of the Mercedes G-Class have change into particularly common. As soon as obtainable for little cash, notably the long-wheelbase two-door fashions from the Swiss Military, these rustic machines – such because the Mercedes or Wolf GD 250 / 290 and G 230 – have now made their solution to the USA. Right here, corporations like Expedition Motor Firm convert them into leather-trimmed way of life off-roaders for the boulevards of Miami, London or Munich – both with authentic engine specs, Corvette V8 energy, and even optionally available automated gearboxes ($12,500). Regardless of over 1,500 hours of full restoration work, these military G-Wagens retain their rustic allure, hurling occupants into an analogue 4×4 period the second the heavy-duty door deal with is pulled. Choices like retrofitted satnav, Apple CarPlay or 4 heated single seats do little to change that.
The prominently displayed off-road chassis has little in frequent with the military surplus originals by the point the automotive leaves the New Jersey plant – even when it nonetheless carries the clattering pre-chamber diesel engine producing lower than 100 hp. Primary instrumentation, uncovered levers for the automated shifter, low-range gearbox and handbrake additionally reinforce the restomod aesthetic. The open-top all-wheeler tops out at barely 120 km/h and barely surpasses 100 km/h in real-world driving. This stage of exclusivity comes at a value – seldom beneath $200,000. Extra reasonably priced choices are supplied by Mercedes specialist Lorinser in Waiblingen, Germany, which sells former radio or ambulance fashions from Mercedes or Puch with excessive roofs and camper conversions beginning at round €70,000.
An identical idea is pursued by “The Landrovers”. This US-based customiser fully restores traditional Defender fashions, providing them with both a strong V8 petrol engine or an electrical drive. Those that assume the G-Class restomods by Expedition Motor Firm are costly could also be shocked by costs at The Landrovers, with branches in Amsterdam and Los Angeles. A V8 Defender begins at €382,500, whereas the 600 hp all-electric Panterra model provides one other €100,000.
Because of a 200-kWh battery pack, the electrical Defender can journey as much as 600 km earlier than needing to recharge. The inside options premium leather-based on request, digital or traditional analogue devices, safari-style fittings or electrical particular person seats. At present, nevertheless, the combustion fashions stay extra common, that includes Cummins diesel engines or, within the “Bohemian Mama Bigfoot” version, Corvette-derived V8 petrol engines with 525 hp or extra.
Icon Motors in Los Angeles has, for the reason that early 2000s, specialised in traditional Toyota Land Cruiser fashions and the historic Ford Bronco. The most well-liked car, nevertheless, is the Icon FJ – based mostly on the unique Toyota FJ40 era. Founder and CEO Jonathan Ward insists that these restomods are actual off-roaders, not showpieces: “It’s for actual – not for present!” says the previous actor, who fell in love with powder-coated off-roaders years in the past.
Immediately, the FJ fashions can be found not simply as short-wheelbase FJ40s, but additionally as FJ43, FJ44 or FJ45 variants with open beds and canvas canopies. As for engines, the crew at Icon depends completely on sports activities automotive tech from Normal Motors. A 6.2-litre V8 delivers 430 hp by way of a four-speed automated with overdrive to each axles. Off-road functionality is additional enhanced by low-range gearing, differential locks and beneficiant floor clearance. Used demonstrator fashions begin at $175,000.
