No doubt realising the same need for a rugged "go-anywhere" off-road model—akin to Jeep, Land Rover or Toyota—Mercedes-Benz commissioned its Geländewagen (all-terrain vehicle) back in 1971.

The initial ‘G-Wagen’ prototype entered extensive and rough-terrain testing by 1974.

Co-developed for both military and civilian customers, Mercedes-Benz aligned with engineering partners Steyr-Daimler-Puch to design and develop the W460-generation G-Wagen.

Construction was originally carried out by Steyr in Graz, Austria, using handmade construction methods.

The first-generation truck was available to the public from 1979, with famous customers including Pope John Paul II and the Argentine army.

The first V-8 G-Wagen—after the initial 10 allegedly assembled in Affalterbach by AMG—appeared by 1993, powered by the firm’s old two-valve M117 engine.

Its replacement four-valve M119 was deemed physically too large to fit.

Affalterbach had been mesmerising both Mercedes-Benz management and its cust...