Rare 2000 Mercedes-Benz G500 Short Wheelbase Undergoes Complete Restoration at Alliance Auto Care
July 16, 2025
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the meticulous preparation and preservation of an ultra-rare Mercedes G500 Short Wheel Base, one of only 10 known in the United States. We walk through our approach to working with vehicles that are more than just transportation: they’re appreciating assets, rolling pieces of automotive history, and long-term investments that deserve a different level of care.
We cover the mindset and methodology behind our preparation of these rare trucks before they hit the road again, and what it takes to preserve their value for decades to come. This isn’t about polishing for social media. It’s about doing the hard, often invisible work that ensures these vehicles don’t just survive, but continue to increase in rarity and value.
When you’re dealing with rare G Wagons, there are no replacements. You can’t just go buy another one. And that’s exactly why our clients trust us to treat them like what they are: irreplaceable.
At Alliance Auto Care in Loveland, Colorado, Joe Gocher and his team are no strangers to rare G-Wagens—but this one stands out. It’s a 2000 Mercedes-Benz G500 Short Wheelbase (SWB) hardtop, one of only ten believed to exist in the United States. In this detailed restoration project, Joe walks us through the comprehensive process of giving this iconic machine a full exterior cosmetic refresh, down to bare metal.
From the outside, the G500 may have looked decent—but once panels were stripped and paint examined under proper lighting, hidden imperfections became clear. Bubbling paint, surface scratches, hidden rust under trim, and roof damage from a garage incident—every panel had a story. Rather than perform patchwork repairs, Joe and the owner decided it was time to do it right, all at once.
Upon disassembly, Joe’s team discovered common problem areas including:
Hidden rust under the front windshield frame
Roof scratches from sunroof to tailgate
Severe hood gouges, likely from snow removal tools
Corroded rocker panels, a known G-Wagen vulnerability
Each issue was tackled head-on. Panels were removed, rust was cut out and replaced with fresh 20-gauge steel, and everything was TIG welded, sealed, and prepped for a fresh coat of Mercedes 040 Black, one of the brand’s most timeless colors.
This wasn’t just a “mask and spray” job. Alliance Auto removed:
All glass, door handles, rubber seals, and trim
The interior seats to protect freshly reupholstered leather
Inner side panels and weather stripping
Mirrors, bumpers, and all mechanical front-end components
This degree of disassembly ensures perfect paint coverage and access to parts that are normally hidden—crucial for a restoration of this caliber.
With the front-end components removed, Joe inspected the cooling system, oil cooler, power steering cooler, and AC fans. Even though many parts were still functional, minor signs of corrosion meant proactive replacement or refurbishment, including sandblasting and repainting corroded housings to prevent future failure.
This restoration wasn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it was also an opportunity for tasteful modern upgrades:
New bumpers and substructure
LED lighting and updated headlight surrounds
Wider fender flares for a bolder stance
Replacement of all door gaskets, sunroof seals, and weather stripping
These upgrades align with the owner’s vision—balancing classic authenticity with modern style.
With only 10 known examples of this SWB G500 in the U.S., this isn’t just a restoration—it’s a strategic investment. Vehicles like this are actively appreciating, and maintaining or elevating their condition helps preserve and enhance long-term value.
If you own a rare G-Wagen or are considering a cosmetic restoration, take a cue from this 2000 G500 Short Wheelbase. The results speak for themselves when you go beyond surface-level repairs and invest in the details that protect and preserve your asset.
At Alliance Auto Care, it’s more than a paint job—it’s a meticulous rebuild with a collector’s eye and expert craftsmanship.
Expect a 4–8 week timeline, depending on parts availability and scope. A full job like this can range from $10,000 for partial work to $30,000+ for full disassembly, rust remediation, paint, and reassembly. But in Joe’s words: “The money you put into it now pays dividends down the road.”
Interested in restoring your G-Wagen?
Contact Joe Gocher at Alliance Auto Care in Loveland, Colorado.
Get in touch with Joe Gocher and the team at Alliance Auto Care—we’ll get your truck squared away the right way.
Welcome to Alliance Auto Care, where quality auto care meets convenience. We specialize in servicing European and high-end vehicles, including Porsche, Audi, Land Rover, BMW, Lexus, G Wagons and Mercedes.
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