The G Wagen was first introduced to the world in 1979 but only reached the UK in 1981, which makes our 1982 registered 300GD a very early example indeed.

Not only early, but one that has survived the last 44 years without being modified or molested - no big alloys or flared arches here.

The credit for this originality lies with its long term owner Bernie, whose history file includes handwritten notes and annotations as well as what seems to be every invoice and receipt relating to this 300 GD.

All this clearly tell us just how much he loved and cherished it.

We even have a genuine official Mercedes-Benz workshop manual, should you be technically minded.

Thanks to LastVIN.com (Mercedes VIN Decoder) we have the original vehicle order details, all of which are still fitted, intact and working - from the halogen fog lights to the first aid kit there’s nothing missing, not even the Blaupunkt Hamburg radio cassette.

The paintwork, we think it’s called Orchid Green, would seem to be the...