Classic camper projects up for auction

A restored Mercedes-Benz 290GD ute that was reportedly used as a helicopter transporter by the Singapore Army, and now could become the ideal base for a compact ‘expedition vehicle’ is up for grabs at Shannons Timed Online Autumn Auction from May 17-24.

The 1995 five-cylinder Austrian-built and diesel-engined ‘Gelendewagen’ on offer is a comparatively-rare two-seater model fitted with an extended flat tray body with build-in tie down points that could easily hold a slide-on camper or caravan body, with its compact overall size giving it a major advantage on tight bush tracks over larger truck-based go-anywhere vehicles.

The other features of the 290GD which will make it popular with off-road explorers is its removable canvas roof, hose-out industrial interior and forward folding windscreen.

Popular with armed services around the world for its rugged construction, internally-lockable differentials and genuine off-road ability, the Mercedes-Benz ‘Gelendewagen’, or G-Wagon, was available in Australia from the early 1980s as a long wheelbase station wagon, but its sales were modest due to its leisurely on-road performance.

Weighing more than two tonnes, but powered by a three-litre five cylinder diesel engined rated at just 64kW, it struggled to maintain 100km/h on a sealed road in ideal conditions and less into a headwind or up any gradient.

Off the bitumen, where the G-Wagon being auctioned is expected most of its time, it was a different story and it was almost unstoppable in terrain that would daunt most Land-Rovers and Toyota Land Cruisers.

Given its rarity and excellent condition, the 290GD is expected to sell in the $65,000 - $75,000 range.

An alternative for off-road wanderers is a rare (one of 432) 1973 Falcon 4X4 Ute that was originally built by Ford in a failed bid to win a lucrative Australian Army contract.

While the 1642kg Falcon had excellent approach and departure angles and a lateral tilt angle up to 45 degrees, along with impressive cross-country performance, it didn’t meet the Army’s extreme battlefield requirements without traditional body-on-frame construction and the vehicles entered limited build for public sale.

Priced at $3680 and with considerable pent-up buyer demand, Ford sold every one of them, with the example being auctioned one of the few to come to market in recent times.

Ready for a slide-on camper body, it is expected to sell in the $50,000-$60,000 range.

Alternatives in the auction for DIY types looking for a distinctive surf wagon or on-road camper are a 1995 Ford Falcon XG configured as an ambulance and a 1980 Ford XD Falcon Sundowner 302 Panel Van, auctioned in project condition and requiring a complete restoration.

Both offered with ‘no reserve’ and affordably priced for recommissioning, the ambulance is expected to sell in the $18,000 - $22,000 range and the Falcon Sundowner Panel Van slated to bring $15,000 - $20,000.