Production years: 1979–1991 The first generation of Mercedes-Benz off-road vehicles (G-Wagen). Development began in 1972, the series model was presented in 1979, and more than 50,000 were built until 1991. It was available with two body lengths (wheelbases of 2400 or 2850 mm), three body types (convertible and short and long closed estates), and as a chassis for special bodies (vans and the like). Among other things, Pope John Paul II's official vehicle (Popemobile) was built on the G-Class, and the G-Class is still very common in various armies and special services (including the Estonian Defence Forces). Its successor was the somewhat modernised W461 generation; today the third generation, the luxury-oriented W463, is in production. All G-Class models have been assembled in Graz, Austria, at today's Magna Steyr (formerly Steyr-Daimler-Puch) plant. In the 1980s the G-Class was also built for the French army at the Peugeot plant as the Peugeot P4, with a Mercedes body and a Peugeot turbodiesel engine, gearbox and axles. Technical data: Engine: M110, inline-6 petrol engine, 115 kW/156 hp Gearbox: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic Running gear: rigid axles, coil springs, selectable front-wheel drive Dimensions: 4662x2007x1931 mm Wheelbase: 2850 mm