Arcade Cars Reveals Pacific Blue Mercedes Puch 230 GE at Pebble
In August 2025 at Monterey Car Week, Arcade Cars will showcase a one-off reimagining of the Mercedes-Benz Puch 230 GE, following last year’s acclaimed Pebble Beach debut. The Pacific blue 4×4, upholstered in handcrafted Star Embossed Palomino leather, marries rugged military pedigree with modern luxury and stands ready for adventure thanks to a front recovery winch, gun racks, side steps, brush guard and off-road rally lights. Visitors can admire this classic 4×4 throughout the week in the Arcade Cars exhibition space before the new owner receives the keys on Concours Sunday.
Arcade co-founder Rishav Kanoria expects another strong reception. “After we debuted at Pebble Beach last year, we were overwhelmed by the response and interest in what our team is creating at Arcade. 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. We’re also able to personalise each vehicle to the owner’s unique interests and style, as represented perfectly with this year’s show vehicle.”
Mercedes-Benz created the Puch 230 GE as an early G-Class model, commissioning Austrian firm Puch to engineer an off-roader capable of conquering the terrain requested by the Shah of Iran. Although Mercedes later adopted the innovative four-wheel-drive platform and entrusted Magna Steyr in Graz to build every G-Class, the 230 GE never reached US showrooms. Arcade Cars secures the best-maintained examples from Swiss military surplus, ensuring each donor vehicle retains its authentic history.
The restoration unfolds across six rigorous phases. The team sources and evaluates a suitable chassis, strips it via sand or ice blasting, and completes meticulous welding and metalwork before spraying the bespoke paint. Technicians then restore and tune the engine, while master trimmers recreate and tailor the interior to modern expectations without erasing the vehicle’s original character. This process converts a utilitarian troop carrier into a desirable, reliable and competent luxury off-roader.
Enthusiasts seeking a vintage G-Wagen experience with contemporary reliability, capability and comfort increasingly turn to Arcade Cars. Their meticulously restored Mercedes-Benz Puch 230 GE and 240 GD models honour G-Class heritage while delivering the bespoke details today’s discerning classic 4×4 owners demand.
