Finished in rare Cypress Green metallic over a beautifully reimagined period interior, this 1988 Mercedes-Benz 280GE - known internally as ‘Aubrey 002’ - is less a restored utility vehicle and more a carefully resolved interpretation of what a W460 might have become had Mercedes-Benz quietly commissioned a low-volume lifestyle edition for Alpine estates and overland adventures alike.

Commissioned by an active family in Surrey as a dependable daily companion capable of everything from school runs to off-grid weekends, Aubrey 002 was entrusted to our artisans and engineers with a simple brief: retain the honesty and charm of the original G-Wagen, whilst subtly elevating every aspect of its usability, comfort, and aesthetic execution.

The restoration began properly - with the body removed from the chassis and the underpinnings painstakingly stripped, repaired, and refinished throughout. Suspension, axles, braking systems, steering components, propshafts, cooling and fuel systems were all rebuilt or renewed, while the original inline-six engine received a comprehensive refresh and service to ensure dependable modern use without compromising the wonderfully mechanical character that defines these early G-Class models.

In total, more than 350 hours of labour were invested into the project, including significant expenditure on rebuilt mechanical components, upgraded suspension, braking systems, interior retrimming, audio equipment, wheels and tyres, sound deadening, and countless restoration consumables and fittings throughout.

Visually, Aubrey 002 strikes precisely the right balance between factory correctness and restrained individuality. The Cypress Green paintwork suits the angular proportions of the W460 perfectly, particularly when paired with widened silver wheels, Hella auxiliary spotlamps, the period-style green-tinted windscreen visor, and bespoke canvas spare wheel cover mounted proudly at the rear. It has presence without aggression - more St. Moritz ski lodge than military convoy.

Inside, the atmosphere is perhaps even more successful.

Rather than erase the car’s origins beneath acres of leather and modernisation, the decision was made to preserve much of the original grey check cloth trim - one of the defining visual signatures of Mercedes-Benz interiors from the period. Period-correct Recaro front seats provide greater comfort and support, while bespoke Italian suede across the dashboard and centre console, handmade American Burr Walnut fascias, green seatbelts, Wilton velvet carpeting, and a discreet retro-look audio system elevate the cabin into something uniquely tactile and deeply nostalgic.

Elsewhere, thoughtful upgrades include air conditioning, heated seats, upgraded lighting and electrics, a bespoke exhaust system, rebuilt suspension and axles, refreshed braking systems, a tow bar, and a detachable expedition roof rack complete with a roof tent, awning, ladder, table, and chairs - allowing Aubrey 002 to transition effortlessly from polished town car to genuine long-distance adventure machine.

And that, perhaps, is the real charm of this particular G-Wagen.

Long before the model became a symbol of excess and celebrity culture, the early 280GE represented something far more honest: durability, engineering integrity, and the ability to go absolutely anywhere in complete confidence. Aubrey 002 preserves that spirit beautifully, whilst introducing just enough refinement to make it genuinely enjoyable in modern life.

The result is a wonderfully usable, beautifully restored W460 that feels entirely authentic - a classic Mercedes-Benz equally at home outside a country pub, parked beside a cedar-clad mountain cabin, or heading towards the horizon with muddy tyres and skis on the roof.

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