Not long after the 1979 debut of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a coterie of dedicated clients immediately sought out bespoke conversions from tuners and coachbuilders across Europe. Quickly seizing upon this market niche, AMG at once understood that when upgraded with truly decadent interior amenities, the model’s go-anywhere capabilities, boxy appearance, and brand prestige presented an ideal, purposeful status symbol.

From 1980 through 1992, ruling families across the Middle East commissioned bespoke versions of the G-Class from AMG. From hunting coupes with telescoping infrared optics, to armored landaulets with gold-plated gun ports, the wizards within AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany maintained a long tradition of extravagant G-Class conversions prior to the model offered here, the 500 GE 6.0.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new V-8 powered 500 GE, co-developed with AMG, in early 1993. Later that same year, AMG unveiled its own upgraded version, the 500 GE 6.0, powered by a version of the venerable M117 V-8 bored to displace 6.0 liters and producing 300 horsepower—an impressive 80 horsepower and 71 pound-feet of torque over the stock 500 GE. Cosmetically, the SUV received an updated gauge cluster with a speedometer topping out at 260 km/h, additional wood trim, special badging, and an exclusive selection of light-alloy AMG wheel designs to choose from.

This is the last true G-Class model produced before Daimler-Benz merged with Chrysler, it was hand-built in an extremely limited series of just 13 units—and rightly so, as the 6.0 AMG conversion of a brand-new 500 GE pushed its already high price tag into supercar territory.

As documented by copies of its AMG warranty papers, this German-market 500 GE 6.0 was initially converted at Affalterbach in November 1993, at which point it had driven just over 100 miles (163 kilometers). Wearing the model’s signature shade of Amethyst Blue Metallic, this car was later shipped to Japan and then imported to Canada in 2010. In addition to its AMG drivetrain and chassis upgrades, there are also the usual refinements common to this range-topping 4x4. These include a black leather interior with burl walnut trim, Behr air conditioning with automatic climate control, Tempomat cruise control, heated power front seats, and more.

Now offered from a decade of ownership, this extremely rare AMG “G-Wagen” will surely appeal to any collector interested in owning what is arguably the most significant off-road Mercedes-Benz model of all time.