What Makes This AMG G-Wagon at the Petersen Museum So Special?
Stroll through the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles right now and you’ll spot a Mercedes G-Wagon that’s unlike any other—one that rewrites the usual G-Class story. This isn’t just another luxury SUV with a big badge and a bigger price tag. It’s one of the first AMG-tuned G-Wagons ever built, and its backstory is as wild as its looks.
How Did a Tennis Champion End Up With a Custom AMG G-Wagon?
Back in the early 1980s, the G-Wagon was still a rugged, utilitarian off-roader—more likely to be found on a farm than on Rodeo Drive. But Ivan Lendl, the tennis legend and multiple Grand Slam winner, had other ideas. During a visit to Mercedes, Lendl was shown a two-door convertible G-Wagon. He liked the concept, but not the military-style front end. So, in a move that only a star athlete with the right connections could pull off, he asked if it could be built with the front from a regular Mercedes sedan.
That casual question set off a chain reaction. AMG—then still an independent tuning house, not yet part of Mercedes-Benz—took on the project. The result? A 1983 300 GD with the stately nose of an S-Class (the W116, for the Mercedes geeks), a full AMG body kit, BBS wheels, and plush blue leather Recaro seats. Oh, and a custom paint job to top it all off. Lendl’s name is even stamped right onto the VIN plate, making it clear this was no off-the-shelf build.
Why Was This G-Wagon So Rare in the US?
In the 1980s, seeing any G-Wagon in the US was a rare treat. Mercedes didn’t officially import them, so most were brought in by private buyers—often wealthy enthusiasts from the Middle East. Lendl’s AMG G-Wagon, however, was a true unicorn: a one-off, custom-ordered, street-style SUV in a sea of boxy, utilitarian trucks.
He drove it for about a decade, even bringing it along when he moved to Connecticut. Imagine rolling up to a tennis match in this thing—part luxury cruiser, part off-road brute, and all attitude. It’s no wonder it turned heads wherever it went.
How Does It Compare to Modern AMG G-Wagons?
Here’s where things get interesting. Today’s AMG G63 is all about power—hand-built V8 engines, thunderous acceleration, and a price tag to match. But Lendl’s 1983 AMG G-Wagon? It’s all show, not much go. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine, good for just 87 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. That means 0-60 mph takes nearly 25 seconds. Yes, you read that right—by modern standards, it’s glacial.
But performance wasn’t the point. This G-Wagon was about style, exclusivity, and making a statement. It was a rolling contradiction: a luxury off-roader with sports car flair, years before that became the norm.
What’s the Story Behind Its Recent Rediscovery?
Fast forward to the present, and this unique G-Wagon is now part of the Patina Collective, a Florida-based group of Mercedes enthusiasts known for tracking down rare and storied cars. They stumbled across Lendl’s G-Wagon about four years ago, recognizing it as one of those rare, early AMG builds that usually ended up in the hands of royalty or oil magnates.
Now, it’s on display as part of the Petersen Museum’s “Totally Awesome” installation, which celebrates the cars and culture of the 1980s and 1990s. For car lovers, it’s a time capsule—proof that the G-Wagon’s blend of ruggedness and luxury has always had a certain magic, long before it became a status symbol.
What Does This G-Wagon Tell Us About the Evolution of the AMG Brand?
This car is a snapshot of AMG before it became a household name. In the early days, AMG was a small, independent shop in Affalterbach, Germany, known for wild custom builds and a willingness to say yes to just about any request—no matter how odd. The Lendl G-Wagon is a perfect example: a mashup of S-Class luxury and G-Wagon toughness, built for a tennis superstar who wanted something no one else had.
Today, AMG is synonymous with high performance and luxury, but the spirit of those early, bespoke creations still lingers. In fact, Mercedes-AMG’s global sales have grown by over 30% in the past decade, according to the company’s own reports, showing just how mainstream the brand’s appeal has become. Yet, it’s these quirky, one-off builds from the past that remind us where it all started.
Why Do Early AMG G-Wagons Matter to Collectors and Enthusiasts?
For collectors, cars like this are the holy grail. They’re rare, they have a story, and they represent a turning point in automotive history. The Lendl G-Wagon isn’t just a cool old truck—it’s a piece of the puzzle that explains how the G-Class went from military workhorse to luxury icon.
And for enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that the best cars aren’t always the fastest or the most expensive. Sometimes, it’s about the story, the craftsmanship, and the little details—like a tennis champion’s name on the VIN plate, or a front end borrowed from a limousine.
What Can We Learn From This One-Off G-Wagon?
The big takeaway? Automotive greatness isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. The Lendl AMG G-Wagon is proof that a bold idea, a bit of customization, and a willingness to break the mold can create something unforgettable. Start with one change this week—whether it’s in your garage or your daily routine—and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.