A Questionable Status Symbol... [PIC]

Acting on a request by the Shah of Iran to build a 4X4 military for patrol and policing in the early '70s, Mercedes unveiled the first generation of their G-Klass vehicle in 1979 and was slowly adopted by military throughout the world, including a special clear plastic topped "Papa G" delivered to the Vatican in 1980 as the Popemobile.  Although it was undoubtedly the envy of East German border guards, the rattle trap, leaky aerodynamically challenged Gerlandewagen, manufactured by Magna Steyr of Austria, was really not a vehicle for civilians. The old school body on frame construction yielded many variants for miltary and police use, Mercedes had an eye on the civilian market and over the years began to refine the vehicle and adding amenities that began to transform it into an SUV. The small displacement diesel and petrol engines were upgraded I-6s, V8s and the ultimate V12, twin supercharged AMG engine that introduced to the European market in 2012. The blend of luxury off- road vehicle, with performance specs worthy of a high end sports car (500 hp), It still had the aerodynamics of a brick and high center of gravity, that to my mind qualified it as a $125,000+ grocery getter. Its sales numbers when finally introduced in the US surprised me, and when the Kardashians began cruising Rodeo Drive in it, it appeared the wealthy elite just had to have one too. In the wealthier areas around me, I see them all the time generally being driven by a blond trophy wife on her way to the mall. This G55 seems to be supplanting the ubiquitous Range Rover for top status.

This AUTOart model was actually released in 2011 before the official release of the 1:1 G55 AMG in the US so I assume the configuration of it would be slightly different than the US model.