Mercedes-Benz had withdrawn its iconic, left-hand drive-only G-Wagen from the market in the United Kingdom, and the go-anywhere model would not return to sale until 2006. That makes the example offered here particularly noteworthy, given it was delivered on 3 October 2005. The early production date is owed to this car being one of approximately just three prototypes built in right-hand-drive form—with one retained by the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

This developmental G 55 AMG was commissioned by a Sheikh in the United Arab Emirates in partnership with AMG and was duly tailored for visits to England. The right-hand-drive conversion was carried out by the engineers in Affalterbach prior to a limited run of 150 production cars being introduced for the wider market.

Special-order paintwork was specified, with this example exquisitely finished in Godolphin Blue. The bespoke shade was selected to match to the blue silks worn by the renowned Team Godolphin—the world’s largest horse racing outfit named in honour of the Godolphin Arabian, one of three stallions that founded the modern thoroughbred. The exterior is capped off by a stainless-steel spare wheel cover, 18-inch AMG Sport wheels, and high-grade steel lower body protection.

Meanwhile, the luxuriously appointed interior was upholstered with complementing Mystic Blue Designo leather featuring blue stitching, black leather plus poplar wood trim, and velour floor mats. The impressive list of equipment includes heated, multi-contoured seats, an electric lifting sunshine roof, Siemens mobile phone, TV tuner, and ultrasonic backup assist.

As a high-performance G 55 AMG model, the car features a supercharged 5.4-litre V-8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain delivers approximately 470 horsepower via a four-wheel drive system.

Consigned to auction by its original, commissioning owner, this significant prototype G-Wagen displays only 169 kilometres from new at the time of cataloguing. Please note that as an imported vehicle that is under 25 years old, this car cannot be registered to be driven in the United Arab Emirates.

An important car in Mercedes-Benz AMG history, the possibility of acquiring an incredibly rare developmental G 55 AMG seldom arises. The opportunity to purchase this example is not to be missed.