Expedition Motor Company has revealed its newest restoration project: a thoughtfully restored Mercedes G-Wagen. While restorations of Land Cruisers and Land Rovers are common, the G-Wagen, especially military “Wolf” variants, receives far less attention. This build brings one of those rugged classics back to life with careful craftsmanship and modern refinements.
The vehicle is a 1991 Mercedes 250GD Wolf, refurbished in line with Expedition Motor Company’s focus on cabriolet models. The restoration required more than 1,000 hours of shop labor. The finished truck wears original Mercedes-Benz white paint paired with a black soft-top, preserving the vehicle’s military character while presenting a clean, timeless appearance.
Founder Alex Levin explains the company’s approach: “Our frame-off restoration and improvement process returns vehicles to like-new condition while adding modern creature comforts and conveniences. The new White Wolf includes side hooks that are not merely decorative. In military service, Wolfs were sometimes transported by helicopters, so we reinforced the hooks with interior steel supports to match the original configuration.”
Expedition Motor Company specializes in restoring and customizing the classic Wolfs, particularly the 1990–1993 250GD models, known for their two-door bodies, fold-down windshields, and convertible tops. For this White Wolf, the company started with its standard bumper set and a black cabriolet top, then added a series of functional upgrades.
Exterior enhancements include improved LED headlights that outperform the original lighting, plus functional touches that honor the truck’s military roots. The most notable additions are the reinforced air-lift hooks, fender-mounted indicators protected by metal guards, and a snorkel kit for water fording and improved air intake. The rear bumper receives lower lamp guards for extra protection, and an optional jerry-can holder with a black canister is available. The vehicle rolls on premium BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires chosen for both on- and off-road capability.
Inside, the White Wolf adopts a bespoke but restrained aesthetic. Seats and front door panels are upholstered in marine-grade brown vinyl for durability and a classic look. Diamond-pattern floor mats from Expedition Motor Company’s fabric selection add texture and protection. The rear cargo area features oak slats that continue onto the rear side panels, blending utility with a warm, period-friendly finish.
Comfort and convenience were upgraded discreetly to preserve the truck’s vintage feel. A Vintage Air HVAC system provides modern climate control while using retro-style dash controls to maintain authenticity. The head unit is a VDO unit designed to look period-correct but equipped with Bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary inputs for modern connectivity. A hidden retro-style antenna removes the need for the traditional body-mounted antenna wand. These optional upgrades raise the White Wolf’s total price to $92,150, slightly above Expedition Motor Company’s $90,000 base cost.
Every Expedition Motor Company restoration follows a meticulous, frame-off process. The base vehicle, typically sourced from overseas military surplus, is completely stripped to the frame. The multi-month restoration begins with a thorough inspection of every disassembled part; components are rebuilt, refinished, or replaced as needed to ensure reliability and authenticity.
Major components are media-blasted down to bare metal to remove corrosion. A rust-inhibiting primer is applied thereafter, and critical parts such as the frame receive durable powder-coating for long-term corrosion resistance. Body panels and drivetrain housings are refinished with premium automotive-grade paint for a factory-quality appearance.
Following concours-level restoration standards, all rubber and soft components—hoses, bushings, and body mounts—are replaced with new parts. The suspension is modernized with Eibach springs and Bilstein monotube shocks, improving ride comfort and handling on highways and off-road terrain alike.
Expedition Motor Company honors the Mercedes-Benz heritage by retaining the Wolf’s numbers-matching drivetrain where possible. The factory OM602 2.5L inline-five diesel is renowned for its durability, and the White Wolf’s original engine was completely disassembled, cleaned, refinished, and rebuilt with new gaskets, seals, belts, pumps, and any internal parts that required replacement. After assembly, the engine is thoroughly tested on the bench and on the road before delivery.
The factory 711.7 five-speed manual transmission is similarly disassembled, inspected, and rebuilt with a new clutch, seals, and throw-out bearing. The transfer case and locking differentials receive the same careful attention to ensure dependable off-road performance.
The White Wolf represents the current state of the art in bespoke restoration for the 250GD Wolf. While Expedition Motor Company commonly specializes in two-door cabriolet decommissioned military Wolfs, they can source hard-top variants for clients who prefer that configuration. The build demonstrates a balanced approach: preserving authentic character and numbers while integrating modern reliability, comfort, and functional upgrades.
If you are interested in commissioning a similar restoration or learning more about Expedition Motor Company’s offerings, contact them directly through their official channels for current details and availability.