Only three of these were ever made. This one is in a unique color.
The original Mercedes G-Class was developed in 1972 by the former Daimler-Benz AG, now Daimler AG. Steyr-Daimler-Puch, (now Magna Steyr), came together from Graz (Austria). The head honchos gave their approval to begin series production of the off-roader that would become the most popular in the world three years later. In 1975, they also agreed to build a new factory at Graz. The G-Class has been produced there since 1979.
Some countries, such as Austria or Switzerland, sold the G-Class with the Puch badge instead of the original. Mercedes logo. This G is one of three, but it’s an extremely rare example. It’s one of only three 500 GEs to have the Puch badge without the three-pointed Star. The first V8-powered G-Class was sold in five-door, long-wheelbase forms. Only 446 examples were produced between 1993 and 1994. In 1998, the G500 came with an eight-cylinder engine.
This Puch 500 GE is finished in Amethystblau Metallic. It has a fascinating history, as it was used in homologation, testing and press drives back in the day. This Puch 500 GE has been featured on many magazines and brochure covers since the 1990s. It comes with tons of standard equipment including a bullbar, side steps and alloy wheels, as well as electric and heated front seats, cruise controller and an electric sunroof.
The M117 5.0-liter engine produces 237 horsepower and 276 Newton-meters (375 Newton-meters of torque) for a 0-60 mph (100 km/h), in 10.5 seconds, and a top speed at 109 mph (175 km/h). This may not sound like much, but the 500 GE weighed in at 2,370 kg (5,224 pounds).
RM Sotheby’s will sell the SUV in Essen in the second half June. It has 162,992 km (101,278 mi) on the clock. The vehicle is partially restored. It is accompanied by original paperwork that confirms it to be the first Puch 500 GE. The engine and four-speed auto transmission have been serviced recently.