Mercedes Puch 280 GE Station Wagon – W460

Within the W460 model range, the Mercedes-Benz 280 GE occupied a very special position. Powered by the refined M110 inline six-cylinder engine, it represented the most powerful engine option available at the time, making the 280 GE the flagship of the range. Its combination of effortless performance, exceptional smoothness and legendary off-road capability set it apart from its contemporaries from the very beginning. Permanent four-wheel drive, differential locks and its uncompromising engineering made it a benchmark both on the road and in the toughest terrain. This particular example was delivered in 1985 in the rare Mercedes-Benz special-order colour Fire Red—a distinctive shade of red with warm orange undertones that perfectly complements the angular design of the first-generation G-Class. It was originally ordered as a civilian vehicle for the chief of a fire brigade in South Tyrol, giving it a fascinating and highly unusual provenance. From new, the vehicle was treated with exceptional care and was always stored in the dry equipment hall of the municipal fire brigade in Mühlwald, South Tyrol. As a result, it remains a remarkably original example with only 36,134 kilometres from new—an exceptionally rare find today, even among the most discerning collectors and enthusiasts of the early G-Class. Equally impressive is its complete and fully documented history. From the original factory order and first sales invoice to the logbook that has accompanied the vehicle since new, every stage of its life is thoroughly documented. All original owner’s manuals, including the factory service booklet, remain with the vehicle and attest to its exemplary care over more than four decades. The 280 GE has recently undergone a comprehensive service and is presented in outstanding original condition. It delivers exactly the authentic driving experience upon which the reputation of the first-generation G-Class was built: uncompromising durability, exceptional build quality and a level of confidence and capability that few modern off-road vehicles can match.

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Today, the Mercedes-Benz W460 is regarded as one of the most sought-after classic Mercedes models—a vehicle that combines honest engineering, timeless design and outstanding everyday usability.