A really lovely W460 230GE short wheelbase in excellent, highly original condition.

First registered new in May 1985, this short wheelbase 230GE has the 2.3-litre, fuel injected four-cylinder petrol engine combined with the optional five-speed manual gearbox (standard was a 4-speed). Finished in Light Ivory with a tan cloth interior. In addition, it has headlamp guards/wash, a factory towbar, a rev counter, rear seat belts and a radio/cassette.

Thankfully, this is one that has evidently always been cared for, and never been ‘got at’! It has had no modifications at all – no alloys, wide arches, fancy headlights, in fact it still has its original 80s radio fitted.

Only four previous owners recorded on the logbook and service history going back 30 years. It’s good to see it had a cylinder head rebuild and new timing chain fitted at 72k miles, and a new steering box fitted at 93k miles.

Today the mileage sits at just over 110k miles, which is remarkably low for one of these.

The work we have carried out has included new swivel seals, new Sachs dampers and rear damper mounts, front brake discs and pads, a rebuilt fuel injection metering head and we have carried out a service. In addition, it’s had a new set of all terrain tyres and an underbody wax treatment.

The body is in lovely condition as is the underside. The interior is in unusually superb condition with the original seat fabric unmarked. It’s really rare to find an early G with such a good interior, they’re usually ropey after decades of work.

Eligible for immediate change to Historic tax class for the next owner, making it tax, MoT and ULEZ exempt.

With its petrol engine and five-speed manual, this W460 is remarkably car-like to drive. It’s smooth, fairly quiet and capable of cruising at normal road speeds with surprisingly good performance. It’s a very nice to drive combination.

It is very hard to find W460 G-Wagens of this calibre and originality today. They are lovely things with an honesty and utility a world away from today’s big-wheeled, tinted windowed trinkets. A great opportunity for a collector looking for an unmolested W460.