Customised Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons are a dime a dozen. Still, most are monochrome, menacing and festooned with cartoonish wheels and an interior finished on the outer edges of good taste. Not so this one, though, as the ‘Vintage G-Wagon’ by Carlex Design seems to be a breath of fresh air as it wraps the familiar boxy proportions of this off-roader within a retro canvas.
It is unashamedly retro and drenched with classic Mercedes-Benz styling cues, giving a whiff of the 1970s look. We certainly like what we see because it gives the G-Wagon a new personality with the period-correct 20-inch wheels and a body kit that isn’t too overly macho. Being made bespoke for this car, the exterior body kit comprises carbon fibre and metal inserts, with the wheel arches being subtly increased.
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The chrome-lined bumpers also hark back to the old-school Mercedes look, while even more chrome is generously applied on the window lines. The Mercedes-Benz emblem sits on the hood, with the Carlex logo on the grille.
The myriad colour options depend on how brave you are when speccing this behemoth, but we particularly like the ‘Lime Pop’ and the ‘Champagne Fizz’ while ‘Green Breeze’ or ‘Rasberry Punch’ look cool, too.
Meanwhile, the interior is decked out in a vintage aesthetic, and you can either spec it in Alcantara or leather. The dashboard’s design has not been messed with, but the tan leather looks gels with the rest of the car. Choose from three interior colours; even the cargo area is smothered in a generous dose of teakwood, reminiscent of a luxury yacht.
However, this Vintage G-Wagon is not just a show pony, as Carlex Designs has also raised the suspension. Plus, the engine is said to develop 805HP and more than 1,000Nm of torque, which is more than enough for a leisurely cruise through the South of France. We suspect the V8 has been fettled to make more power, but full powertrain details have not been disclosed.
Being built to order, every car comes with its serial number, and we expect pricing to be significantly more than what you pay for a garden variety G-Wagon. However, unlike a Brabus or a Mansory kitted one, this is a different kettle of fish and gives this SUV a vintage charm.
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