The G-Class's Military Origins in Collaboration with Steyr-Puch

It is said that it all began with a wish from Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Shah of Iran between 1941–1979. He was a co-owner of Daimler-Benz and expressed his interest in an off-road vehicle for the Persian army. A request for 20,000 vehicles was then put forward, whereupon the German car manufacturer turned to the Austrian industrial group Steyr-Daimler-Puch for a collaboration. With their solid experience of building, among other things, trucks and off-road vehicles for military contexts, they were a natural partner. 

The order for 20,000 cars, however, fell through in 1979 when the Shah was deposed. This did not, however, put a stop to the car model itself - the same year, the first G-Class was launched for the public, and the rest, as they say, is Geländewagen history.

How does a Steyr-Puch differ from a Mercedes-Benz G-Class? The former are cars built specifically for military use, without everyday comforts and superfluous extra features. Several companies have since offered civilian conversions, equipping them for everyday use with the usual features such as more comfortable seats and a neater interior.

This Steyr-Puch 230 GE that we have up on the site now is one such example. At its core, the object is a Swiss military vehicle, converted by the German company Fair Trade Import. 
– This one is a bit longer and has an automatic gearbox, the seller tells us. I've been looking for one like this for a long time and am the first owner in Sweden. Before me, it was Fair Trade Import in Germany that had it as a demo and exhibition car. It has been featured at trade fairs in Germany, Austria and Italy. 

What have you liked most about it?

– That the whole family can ride along if you have all the seats in. Plus, it's a cabriolet. I also have a large garage, so I can drive it in with the top down and let it stand there. If you can keep it in a garage and park it with the roof down, it's incredibly convenient and pleasant.