Driving the EMC 250GD Wolf: A Piece of Restomod Art

These no-bolt-left-unturned 250GD Wolf examples are built-to-order and provide a delightful and heart-warming driving experience. 

In the past, we’ve highlighted the amazing 250GD restomods from Expedition Motor Company. They are true military vehicles that show up at EMC’s shop full of bullet holes and corrosion with leaky drivetrains and a brutal past life. However, any 250GD can only dream of winding up in the hands of EMC. The company does a remarkable job restoring and modernizing these military workhorses and turning them into dream cruising machines. When they say no bolt is left untouched, they mean it. They’re stripped down in their entirety and completely rebuilt with bespoke interiors, fully rebuilt engines, and in-house developed suspension.

Recently, I got a chance to get behind the wheel of an EMC Wolf in the hills near Malibu, California. Being familiar with the builds, I did not hesitate to jump at the opportunity. When I arrived, the 250GD Wolf was even more spectacular than I could have imagined. I highlighted the car and my experience in a recent video on my personal YouTube channel, which you can view below.

Truly the Pinnacle of the Vintage G-Wagen World

Stepping into the plush interior of the EMC Wolf brings a remarkable nostalgic feeling despite the fact that I had never sat in an older G-class before. The large steering wheel and gauge cluster were like a welcome mat. Sitting in the seat and gripping the steering wheel immediately gives the signal that the EMC touch outlines attention to detail like no other. It’s hard to describe in words, but I can’t imagine a more perfect way to blend old and new. My admiration for German vehicles from the ‘80s and ‘90s might have put a rose-colored tint on my glasses, to be fair. That said, the refined interior, wood grain accents, and the integration of the original gun mount as a storage cubby all add up to an astonishing experience.

After firing up the OM602 five-cylinder turbo diesel, we hit the road. As you’d expect with that sub-100-horsepower power plant, it’s no speed demon. Cruising through the Southern California hills proved to be a bit of a bear when on an upward incline. It didn’t matter how slow we were going, though, because it’s an absolute joy to drive. The steering was surprisingly responsive. Not from a “spirited handling” sort of perspective, but from the perspective of someone who went into an ex-military vehicle expecting a bit of sloppiness in the steering box.

I Get It Now

The Expedition Motor Company website’s FAQ section outlines the fact that they primarily use the 250GD as a starting point because Alex Levin, the company’s founder, genuinely loves them. While cruising with Levin riding passenger, I immediately started to understand why. I could easily picture myself crawling through forest trails and up mountains. The windshield folded flat and the crisp mountain air rushing through the open top. 

My only struggle was with the S-class-sourced transmission, which EMC has to program in-house specifically to work in harmony with the diesel powerplant. The shift points are a little funky, but that’s solely a matter of needing to get used to it. Otherwise, there’s nothing for me to complain about. That is, other than the fact that I can’t afford one. It has a starting price of $165,000. So, it’s certainly reserved for those with well-lined pockets. If I had the money to spare I’d be inclined to have one in the garage for weekend getaways.

For a more detailed look at the 250GD Wolf, check out my video below. Thanks again to Alex and EMC for giving me a chance to get behind the wheel!

Photos: Shane Harris Photo