1983 Mercedes-AMG G-Wagon Custom-Built For Ivan Lendl Now On Display

Here’s a little gem for the G-Wagon lovers and ‘80s kids alike: a truly one-of-a-kind Mercedes-AMG 300 GD is now on display at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles, and its backstory is just as unique as the car itself.

This 1983 G-Wagon was originally commissioned by tennis legend Ivan Lendl during his peak years on the court. At the time, Mercedes was one of his sponsors, and while visiting the company, he spotted a two-door G-Class convertible. He liked the idea but wasn’t exactly sold on its looks. So, he asked if it was possible to give it a different front end. You know, something with a bit more style.

What came out of that casual request is a G-Wagon with the face of a W116 S-Class. Yep, the classic S-Class grille and headlights were grafted onto the front, giving the 300 GD a totally unexpected vibe. Then, AMG added its signature body kit, fitted a set of BBS wheels, and gave the SUV a full custom paint job. Inside, it’s trimmed with bright blue leather Recaro seats, and it even has Ivan Lendl’s name on the VIN plate.

Underneath all the flash, though, it’s still the original 3.0-liter diesel engine. That means just 87 horsepower and a 0 to 60 time that takes nearly 25 seconds. But let’s be honest—nobody’s here for the speed. 

After about a decade of use, Lendl brought the car with him to Connecticut, where it quietly lived out its days until it was rediscovered by the Mercedes-obsessed team at the Patina Collective in Florida. Now, freshly restored, it’s taking center stage at the "Totally Awesome" exhibit celebrating the cars and culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.