Mercedes-Benz 300 GD Cabriolet: Classic 4x4 Drive

The Mercedes-Benz 300 GD Cabriolet is surely one of the coolest Geländewagens ever built. We take a stunning example for a canter in the European countryside.

There is always excitement in anticipation of a launch event, but ahead of the unveiling of the W463-series G-Class (previously known as the Geländewagen) in 2018, I was particularly enthused. The W463 was an entirely new car from the ground up, and thankfully turbodiesel and AMG variants remained part of the product mix. I was wondering whether it would retain enough of its predecessor’s appeal.

However, there was another reason why I was looking forward to the event. With so much heritage, Mercedes-Benz is renowned for wheeling out suitable classic vehicles during launches and, on occasion, it will make them available for a drive. I was hoping this would be the case with the G-Class as well…

I was in luck. Even though the focus of the launch was obviously on the new vehicle and experiencing it in every possible way while having extended chats with the knowledgeable engineers present, I grabbed the keys to this early 300 GD Cabriolet (W460) and headed off into the countryside for a short drive.

Specifications:

Model: Mercedes-Benz 300 GD Cabriolet 4×4
Engine: 3.0-litre, 5-cylinder, diesel
Power: 66 kW at 4 400 rpm
Torque: 172 Nm at 2 400 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Weight: 1 765 kg
0-100 km/h: N/A
Top Speed: 127 kph
Production years: 1979–1991

Behind the wheel

Having never experienced a classic Geländewagen, I told myself not to expect a lot, but at the same time, I willed it to be a truly impressive and memorable off-roader, despite it being almost 40 years old. We all love the legendary boxy design – it is, after all, one of the Geländewagen’s trademarks.

The fact that there is no roof in this instance further enhances the driving experience. As you shift (rather quickly) through the manual gearbox – with a fairly slick shift action – you realise that at around 100 to 110 kph there is not much more on offer from the 3.0-litre diesel engine.

That doesn’t matter though, as you have a slight breeze coming through the cabin and the sun bathing your shoulders, face and arms. In truth, you don’t feel the need at any time to drive any faster.

The chequered seat material (with 3 seats in the 2nd row), iconic steel wheels and large, full-size spare bolted to the tailgate are features that contribute to the classic status these 4x4s command today.

Mercedes-Benz 300 GD Cabriolet rear view

Being a Mercedes-Benz Museum car, the 300 GD Cabriolet was in near-perfect condition, front to rear. The smooth running of the 5-cylinder engine, the condition of the cabin and the exterior of the car all underline the meticulous approach the Museum takes with its vehicles.

The steering wheel has been perfectly re-upholstered, but otherwise, the overall condition only serves to prove that the 66 811 km odo reading must be this Geländewagen’s true mileage.

Casting my gaze over the dials reveals a clear, simple analogue setup and, should you want to venture seriously off-road, the front and rear diff locks can be activated by 2 buttons right of the speedometer.

I park the 300 GD on an incline to have a better look at this compact 4×4 cabriolet from a distance. Its design and concept will never age, will it? The fact that you can have such a capable 4×4 and still experience the basics of a cabriolet is truly exceptional.

On my drive back, I enjoyed looking through the upright windscreen and seeing those boxy indicator lights mounted on the far corners of the front fenders – as is still the case with today’s G-Class.

Summary

The 300 GD Cabriolet’s driving experience and design is timeless and this car’s classic status level should be considered the same as its 2- and 4-door siblings, if not even more so.

Needless to say, that evening I browsed the European classified websites in search of a Geländewagen Cabriolet – a true classic off-roader.

Find a new (or classic) Mercedes-Benz G-Class listed on Cars.co.za

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