Simplicity, at least in vehicles, is becoming something of a luxury. As auto manufacturers cram more tech into their latest models, there's a nostalgic movement towards simpler, more rugged designs. Enter Expedition Motor Company (EMC) with their meticulously restored 1993 Sahara Wolf.
EMC specializes in reviving early Mercedes-Benz Geländewagens, focusing particularly on the 250GD models. Founder Alex Levin's passion for these rugged, diesel-powered vehicles led him to establish EMC in 2017 with the mission to breathe new life into these iconic trucks.
Originally designed for military use, the early G-Wagens have a reputation for being incredibly capable yet minimalist. Features like air conditioning and automatic transmissions were optional luxuries. While Mercedes-Benz initially hesitated to bring the Spartan G-Wagens to the U.S. during the '80s due to their luxury market aspirations, the 25-year import rule has now opened the floodgates for vintage G-Wagen enthusiasts.
EMC's restoration philosophy strikes a balance between original spec restoration and modern restomod. Here, you won't find any wild engine swaps. Instead, EMC focuses on preserving the character-defining elements while integrating modern touches that make these classics suitable for contemporary use.
1993 250GD Wolf" srcset="https://hagerty-media-prod.imgix.net/2024/05/2-scaled.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=683&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=1024 1024w, https://hagerty-media-prod.imgix.net/2024/05/2-scaled.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=200&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=300 300w, https://hagerty-media-prod.imgix.net/2024/05/2-scaled.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=768 768w, https://hagerty-media-prod.imgix.net/2024/05/2-scaled.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=427&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=640 640w, https://hagerty-media-prod.imgix.net/2024/05/2-scaled.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=80&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=120 120w" />The 250GD, affectionately known as the "Wolf" from its military days, retains its factory OM602 2.5-liter five-cylinder diesel engine and five-speed manual transmission. While the exterior has seen minor tweaks, the vehicle's iconic look is largely preserved.
The upgrades on the Wolf subtly enhance its capabilities and drastically improve its comfort. EMC has designed a new suspension system, added a customized front bumper, installed three-inch LED Pod Lights for better night-time visibility, a Warn winch for off-road recovery, and a snorkel for water fording. They've also integrated modern conveniences like a Harman Kardon Infinity sound system, soundproofing, Wireless Apple CarPlay, air conditioning, heating, and heated seats for a more enjoyable driving experience.
The Sahara Wolf strikes a near-perfect balance between rugged utility and modern comfort, a feat that took over 2100 hours to achieve. Such a labor-intensive build comes at a premium, with this 1993 250GD priced at $180,450. But in a world where true simplicity is rare, that price might just be worth it.
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