Expedition Motor Company (EMC), restorer and custom builder of classically styled vintage G-Wagens, has unveiled two new Mercedes-Benz Wolf commissions. While one G-Wagen remains rooted in the original 250GD’s analog heritage through an evolved Mercedes-Benz turbodiesel engine and manual transmission for purists, on the other end of the spectrum, EMC created a completely reimagined Wolf featuring a brand-new GM LS3 V-8 engine that delivers performance while highlighting the vintage design that defines the iconic W461 platform, company officials said in a press release.
“Every Wolf that Expedition Motor Company creates starts with the same question: what kind of driving experience and feeling does the client want?” said Expedition Motor Company founder Alex Levin. “For some, the unmistakable feel of a traditional Mercedes-Benz turbodiesel paired with a manual transmission feels right. For others, it’s the modern power and familiarity of a LS3 V-8 while behind the wheel that offers convenience and excitement. These two distinctly different commissions represent the complete opposite ends of the spectrum, which is fun. Whatever build our clients end up choosing, both remain true to the character, craftsmanship and timeless design that has defined Expedition Motor Company builds and have made the G-Wagen such a strong touchstone in car collecting.”
Both EMC commissions retain the core characteristics of what has made the Wolf one of the world’s most recognizable, off-road capable vehicles, noted the release. Each features an open-top two-door cabriolet body, fold-down windshield, and purpose-built analog character that made the original truck so celebrated. Regardless of drivetrain, each EMC Wolf is completely disassembled before every component is meticulously restored, replaced or upgraded.
250GD: The Period-Correct Turbodiesel Build
Finished in Mercedes-Benz Magma Beam Orange, EMC’s newest commission wears the 250GD badge. The restoration pairs a Mercedes-Benz 2.5-liter OM605a turbodiesel with a Mercedes 717-series 5-speed manual transmission, delivering an analog driving experience rooted in the Wolf’s original rugged identity. As the direct evolution of the OM602 engine originally found in the 250GD, the OM605a retains the same 2.5-liter five-cylinder displacement while introducing features such as dual overhead camshafts and a turbocharger, more than doubling the horsepower of the naturally aspirated original.
Complementing the Magma Beam Orange exterior is a Doppio and Nasturtium dual-tone interior, accented by dark-stained AAA European oak trim and EMC’s forged 17-inch Stahl wheels. Crisp black exterior accents and the sleek Stahl wheels offset the vibrant Magma Beam Orange finish, reinforcing the Wolf’s military-inspired character. Together, the carefully selected details throughout the truck blend period-correct engineering with Mercedes-Benz design, presenting a build that remains faithful to the vintage G-Wagen’s original personality while offering the refinement and drivability expected from an expertly restored vintage vehicle, the company said.
620GE: The Modern LS3 V-8 Build
Representing the opposite end of EMC’s restoration spectrum is the 620GE finished in Mercedes-Benz Ireland Mid Green Metallic. Powered by a brand-new GM 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 paired with a GM 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission, the build is designed for clients seeking today’s modern power delivery while maintaining the styling and analog feel that define every Wolf restoration. The EMC 620GE badge follows Mercedes-Benz naming convention, reflecting the engine’s 6.2-liter gasoline specification.
Inside, the 620GE features a Natural interior complemented by mahogany wood trim and EMC’s forged 16-inch Type 461 wheels. The light-colored interior with the rich Ireland Mid Green Metallic exterior creates a refined, understated aesthetic that remains true to the Wolf’s rugged utilitarian roots.
Both EMC commissions are equipped with FOX reservoir suspension, upgraded braking systems, and the signature vintage G-Wagen features that have defined the vehicle for years.
EMC says the 250GD and 620GE builds articulate the company’s unique approach to restoration, allowing clients to experience the iconic Mercedes-Benz Wolf in the configuration that best reflects their driving style, whether through the period-correct authenticity of an evolved turbodiesel or by the modern performance of an LS3 V-8.
