• Rarely seen 290 GD Pickup; imported into the U.S. in 2020
• Upgraded 2.9-liter turbo-diesel engine fitted with non-standard five-speed gearbox
• Practical extras include spare wheel, fuel can, roof rack and snorkel

Built on the W461 platform of the popular Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, the 290 GD Pickup was produced in low numbers by the German marque between 1992 to 1997. The pickup variant of the truck reflects the roots of the G-Class, the model line that was first produced in 1979 as a no-frills, rugged off-roader, before gaining popularity as a luxury vehicle. Stripped back for functionality with its open cargo load area, the 290 GD Pickup is also highly versatile on tricky terrain thanks to its four-wheel drive, low gearing, and locking differential over both axles.

This example, with its single cab finished in matte dark green and the fold-down truck bed presented in black, is understood to have been imported into the United States from Belgium in 2020. The current specification suggests slight modifications from the manufacturer build, with this truck fitted with a turbocharged diesel powertrain. The 290 GDs of the era would have been powered from the factory by a non-turbo, 2.9-liter diesel unit. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz has received an upgrade from its standard four-speed gearbox to five-speed, with overdrive transmission, and is equipped with air conditioning, another non-standard feature.

A spare wheel and metal jerry can are fixed to the rear of the cab, also showing a roof rack on top, and a snorkel around the front to aid air supply to the engine if wading through water. The steel wheels are painted to match the color of the cab and ride on knobby Toyo Open Country tires. The load bay can completely fold on three sides to serve as a flat bed. Inside the cab, the truck sports refreshingly simple design; wind-up windows either side and a sliding rear window let in light, the seats are finished in a shade of green to match the exterior, and a low-range, floor-mounted gear lever works alongside the manual transmission stick.

Please note that due to California emissions, this vehicle must be sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo21.