The ‘Soujourn’ aims to bring a touch of refinement to the original Geländewagen
Restored and gently modified versions of the iconic Mercedes G-Wagon have been revealed today by start-up Arcade Cars.
The British brand has its main office in London but works with engineering and restoration companies elsewhere in Austria (the birthplace of the G-Wagon) and Germany. If you don’t have in the region of US$130,000 to spare, read on as a window shopper. If you do have the cash – firstly, congrats – make sure to attend Pebble Beach next month where the ‘Soujourn’ will make its debut.
The GE230 is a very different beast to the modern day G-Wagon. More utilitarian, rugged and frankly barebones – a reflection of its military roots when launched in the late 70s. Arcade aims to retain that energy while introducing a more refined, luxurious interior and mechanically superior underpinnings.
Pictures released today show an attractive mix of navy blue over tan, complete with roll-up/button-down fabric roof, colour matched sparewheel cover and an attractive mix of materials and finishes inside. A touchscreen mounted on the centre console contrasts with the inclusion of a machined metal key, engraved with Arcade’s logo.
The HMI is wonderfully simple, with analogue dials in clear view of the driver and a distinct absence of steering wheel-mounted buttons or knobs. Arcade does say that a range of options are available to prospective customers, though, with “the choice as broad and diverse as each customer’s tastes.”
All design decisions were led by chief executive Rishav Kanoria, supported by Arcade’s in-house workshop which, we are told, has experts in leather work, metal work and product design.
It comes at a time where restomods are booming – perhaps a result of the lacklustre response to modern offerings in the industry – and with no lack of competition. Indeed, there are numerous established players reworking original Defenders and Land Rover Series’, but we suspect these are two very distinct camps and you are either Team Geländewagen or Team Landy.
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