The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, often called the G-Wagen, is one of the longest running production vehicles in the marque’s history—surpassed only by the Unimog. For over 40 years, the German company has been producing the boxy body-on-frame vehicles in successive generations.

This example is a special model of the earliest W460 generation. Introduced for the Italian market only, the 200 GE was offered as both a station wagon and a pickup truck. The pickup truck, as seen here, was officially named the 200 GE Cabriolet. It was built on the short wheelbase (model 460.216) measuring 2,400 millimeters versus the standard 2,850 millimeters. The engine, model M102.964, was used specifically for the Italian W460 models. With just two liters of displacement, its four-cylinder was small enough to avoid the high tax penalties incurred on engines over that size. Each engine was fitted with A Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection and output was rated at 134 brake horsepower. The 200 GE was fitted with power-assisted steering and five-speed transmission as standard.

The 200 GE offered here has been lovingly cared for by its successive Italian owners. First registered in Milan, the cabriolet still sports its original registration plates. At delivery, the 200 GE was ordered with a host of options, including front and rear differential lock, a heavy-duty battery, a 13.5-liter auxiliary tank, rear mud flaps, and front towing coupling. The interior features brown tartan cloth, and both the driver and passenger seat retain the optional headrests as specified. The rear passenger seat folds up, allowing more room for luggage, and a black soft-top quickly converts the open pickup cabriolet into a wet-weather vehicle.

According to the Italian Certificato Cronologico, the original owner purchased the vehicle in April of 1988 and kept it until 2003, when it was sold to the second owner. After it changed hands again in 2005, the current owner purchased the Mercedes-Benz in 2020. In March of this year, mechanical work was completed on the 200 GE to ensure it was running as smoothly as possible. Invoices on file detail new tires, the fitting of a set of Bilstein shocks, and the rebuilding of the steering system, injection system, and front wheel axel. In addition, the wiring loom, fuel lines, and brake pads were checked over and repaired as needed. After this work was completed, the 200 GE was imported to the United States, and currently is located in California.

With its numbers-matching engine, this 1988 Mercedes-Benz 200 GE offers a fantastic chance to own a Mercedes-Benz model that is rarely seen outside of Italy.