LONDON (September 10, 2025) — Arcade Cars is preparing to unveil its most exclusive creation yet at the prestigious Audrain Concours in October: a dramatic open-top Mercedes-Benz 240 GD, painstakingly restored and reimagined from one of the rarest military G-Wagens ever built.
Originally developed by Mercedes-Benz for the Singaporean Army, only 60 to 70 of these airdrop-ready military vehicles were ever produced. From that already scarce pool, Arcade Cars will craft just 10 bespoke examples, each built in collaboration with individual clients. Retaining its rugged military DNA, the 240 GD is transformed through personalized luxury detailing, creating a one-of-a-kind collector’s piece that bridges battlefield grit with modern refinement.
From Monterey to Newport
Arcade Cars arrives at Audrain following a strong showing at Monterey Car Week, where its military-heritage G-Wagens drew significant attention from collectors and enthusiasts. The brand first made its mark at Pebble Beach in 2024, where its debut showcase established Arcade as a serious player in the high-end restoration market. Returning to the Concours Village in 2025, the company expanded its portfolio display, underscoring its growing reputation for combining authenticity with luxury.
“Each project represents our belief that G-Wagens should be both functional and personal,” said Rishav Kanoria, founder of Arcade Cars. “Our mission is to honour their original military engineering while elevating them for contemporary adventures—vehicles as comfortable on sand dunes as they are on city streets.”
East Coast Momentum
Before Newport, Arcade Cars will present its Mercedes-Benz Puch 230 GE at The Bridge on September 13th. The invitation-only gathering, set against the historic Bridgehampton racing circuit overlooking Sag Harbor, is among the most exclusive collector events in the United States.
“The Bridge provides an incredible opportunity to connect with collectors who value design, heritage, and versatility,” Kanoria added. “Our G-Wagens are made for families who want both striking design and uncompromising capability.”
Arcade will also serve as a Bespoke Sponsor of Newport’s Audrain Motor Week. Alongside the 240 GD’s Pacific Blue debut, a striking Arcade Racing Green Mercedes-Benz Puch 230 GE will appear at Doris Duke’s legendary Rough Point estate during the Audrain Gathering.
The Art of Military Restoration
The Mercedes-Benz 240 GD marks Arcade’s most ambitious project to date, undergoing a meticulous six-phase transformation that can consume hundreds of hours per vehicle:
- Sourcing and evaluation to identify viable donor vehicles.
- Sand or ice blasting to strip away decades of military wear.
- Welding and metalwork to restore the chassis with precision.
- Paint application, featuring anti-corrosive treatments and premium finishes in climate-controlled conditions.
- Engine restoration and tuning to preserve the authentic G-Wagen driving experience.
- Interior recreation and modifications, where utilitarian cabins are reimagined with hand-stitched leathers, advanced audio systems, and overlanding-ready equipment.
Every vehicle is fully disassembled and documented before reassembly, ensuring authenticity while integrating discreet modern upgrades. The result is a machine that balances military toughness with bespoke luxury—vehicles that are as rare as they are capable.
A New Benchmark in Exclusivity
With only 10 examples available worldwide, the open-top 240 GD is set to become one of the most desirable collector G-Wagens ever built. Its Newport debut will not only cement Arcade’s reputation among global enthusiasts but also redefine what’s possible in the art of military restoration.
