Short Wheelbase G-Wagon: 1986 Steyr-Puch 280GE
Does this short wheelbase 4×4 remind you of a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon? Well, that’s because they are one in the same. The Steyr-Puch 280GE is a version of the truck that has become a high-end SUV used more for commuting purposes than actual off-roading, and a reminder of the model’s origins as an overbuilt military truck. Steyr-Puch was a major manufacturing force coming out of World War II, and built a variety of vehicles, including scooters, that remain popular with enthusiasts today. Find this 280GE here on Facebook Marketplace for $23,500.
Steyr-Puch got its start building guns before moving onto military vehicles. Some of you may also recognize the Puch name as a popular builder of mopeds that are sought after by collectors today. Before it became a high-end luxury vehicle, the 280GE and other models in the range were fairly bare-bones and utilitarian. They were primarily used as military vehicles, with the Swiss army maintaining a particularly large fleet of vintage trucks until recently. In addition, Steyr-Puch licensed the vehicle for production under different nameplates like Peugeot, which made a version called the P4.
As you can see here – unlike the most recent versions of the Mercedes G-Wagon which are loaded up with leather, digital gauge clusters, and 20-inch wheels – the Steyr-Puch is very basic. Cloth upholstery (in a very charming 80s pattern), a small instrument binnacle, full manual controls, and very basic materials (no leather-wrapped dash here) reveal that despite what you may think of the current G-Class, the original inception of the truck was much different than its current iteration. The seller notes his truck has been properly federalized, which can either be a win or a loss depending on how stringent your local jurisdiction is.
In recent months, I purchased a used 2002 G500, and I’ve been pleased with us thus far. One of the best things about an older G-Class (or a Steyr-Puch like this) is that the drivetrains are largely bulletproof. The newer models have introduced a whole mess of upgrades, from turbocharging to hybrid powertrains, which – depending on your opinion – have made this truck unnecessarily complex. A truck like this 280GE has a ridiculously overbuilt M110 inline-six cylinder, and the same goes for my truck which has an M113 V8. Either engine is known for being relatively bomb-proof, which makes this Steyr-Puch a wonderful choice for a collectible and reliable vintage SUV.
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now1 days$15,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now4 days$100
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now4 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now4 days$500
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now6 days$4,000
Comments
Rugged.
That’s a beauty, nice one, Jeff! I’ll take yours, though…
I love this style! I had a 1986 Mitsubishi Montero back in the day and I am quite taken with the similarity between these two vehicles of the same model year. The Mitsubishi was a beast off road and perhaps my favorite vehicle, nimble and easy to move overland. I would expect no less from this little SUV. But alas, between the tin worm and a nasty habit of eating head gaskets these Monteros are nowhere to be found. I would buy this in a heartbeat, however the Minister of Finance in my home has already given me a resounding “NO”!
The price of these things makes me want to Puch…
I drove one of these in Afghanistan 2007 have no clue how it got there but was insanely rugged 5 speed super capable had seats in it that were similar to lawn chair w webbing, (I sat on a plate carrier)the Brits had similar seats in there “Pinkys”. It was perfect for the way we operated staying off the main roads im pretty sure it was a diesel regardless very capable.
UDT approved.
Proper.
I got to agree on the price tag for a 1986 anything ! Yes it looks clean, for a bread box with no crumbs.. I don’t think anything built in the mid 80’s or early 80’s is worth near this price. Considering what I paid for a new trans-am gta in 87 , which was way more luxurious ! I see No where any mention of miles ?? And the 80’s seat pattern?? I had that pattern in my 76 Chevy 76 truck. Then on top of the fact this is Not a Mercedes. And also a “basic” model. Did it even cost that much new ?
Stey-Puch made all the Gwagens. Some were badged Steyer-Puch for Austrian markets, the rest went as Mercedes. Yes, that fabric is the right one for the year. Comparing this to a trans-AM? Luxury is not the ticket for these 460 series G-wagens. Give me one of these any day over a trans-AM anything! Oh, wait, I already have one…..
Too bad it’s red. It also has been listed on marketplace for a while now. Wonder why no one has bought it.
Too much money ! Should be 1/2 that price
That might be a clue as to why it hasn’t sold