4×4 restomods are having a moment, with Arcade Cars showing off this one-off reimaging of the classic Mercedes 230 GE military 4×4 at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours.
Restomod specialist Arcade Cars has again travelled across the Atlantic to show the good burgers of Pebble Beach how to reimagine a classic Mercedes military 4×4.
In 2024, Arcade Cars wowed the Pebble Beach crowds with its beautifully-restored vintage Mercedes-Benz Puch 230 GE. This year, the London-based outfit was back with a fresh take on the classic Mercedes military vehicle.
This is despite the Mercedes-Benz Puch 230 GE having never been officially imported into the US.
One of the first models created as part of Benz’s storied G-Class line, the Mercedes-Benz Puch 230 GE is claimed to have originated as a request from the Shah of Iran to build a capable off-roader for the harsh terrain of his country.
Mercedes-Benz contracted Austrian manufacturer Puch to build the cars, and eventually bought the technology for its innovative 4WD platform for future generations of the G-Class.
Puch was subsequently purchased by Magna Steyr which remains the manufacturer for all G-Class vehicles in its Graz, Austria facility.
The Pebble Beach 230 GE show car looks nothing like the original workhorse, finished as it is in a stunning Pacific Blue over a handcrafted Star Embossed Palomino Leather interior.
The fully-restored 4×4 has been “optimised for the new owner’s active lifestyle”, featuring a front recovery winch, obligatory gun racks, side steps, a brush guard and off-road rally lights.
Arcade co-founder Rishav Kanoria said the team had been overwhelmed by the response to its 2024 display, so decided to double down with this fresh take for 2025.
“The look of the legacy G-Wagen resonates with so many people. We’ve been able to preserve that iconic presence and legendary reliability while adding the luxury touches and amenities modern drivers want,” Mr Kanoria said.
Founded in 2023, Arcade Cars is headquartered in London, UK, with its vehicle sourcing and operations located in Austria and Germany. The company says its engineers have lengthy expertise working with Mercedes-Benz vehicles, with workshops that are fully integrated with product design and custom manufacturing for interior parts and accessories.
The company also claims to work with a specialist team of ex-AMG race engineers on rebuilding and upgrading its engines to ensure reliability and performance.
While numerous European militaries used the 230 GE, Arcade sources its vehicles from Swiss military surplus, which they say have been the best maintained over time.
During the six-phase restoration process required to create an Arcade 230 GE or 240 GD the outfit transforms the spartan, purpose-built military transport into something luxurious and desirable with modern technology, while still retaining the ruggedness, durability and versatility of the original military-spec vehicle.
When completed, the vehicles obtain TÜV certification and road registration in Germany to ensure they meet stringent high safety and quality standards.
