Arcade Cars “Remasters” the Rarest G-Wagen Yet: Singapore’s Airdrop-Ready 240 GD

At the crossroads of military history and bespoke craftsmanship sits Arcade Cars—a London-based company redefining what it means to recommission iconic vehicles. Their latest project may be the most exclusive yet: a run of just ten hand-built examples of the open-top Mercedes-Benz 240 GD, originally produced in tiny numbers for the Singaporean Army as airdrop-ready military vehicles.

Of the 60–70 built by Mercedes-Benz in the 1980s, Arcade will transform ten into collector-grade commissions. Each remastering preserves the utilitarian DNA of the G-Wagen’s military roots, while layering in bespoke luxury features, tailored interiors, and subtle performance enhancements. The result is a rugged icon reborn, blending authenticity with modern usability—a formula Arcade has made its signature.

A Debut Fit for Collectors

Arcade’s Singaporean 240 GD will make its formal American debut at Newport’s Audrain Concours this October, unveiled in Pacific Blue on the grounds of Doris Duke’s famed Rough Point estate. Alongside it will be an Arcade Racing Green Mercedes-Benz Puch 230 GE, reinforcing the brand’s growing influence on the East Coast collector scene.

The Newport showing follows a string of successful high-profile appearances. At Pebble Beach in 2024, Arcade stunned enthusiasts with its first-ever concours display. The following year, they returned with expanded offerings in the Concours Village, cementing their credibility among seasoned collectors. Most recently, Arcade joined The Bridge in Bridgehampton—an invitation-only gathering set on a historic racing circuit—signaling the brand’s serious expansion into North America’s most discerning automotive circles.

“Beyond being a world-class event, The Bridge allows us to connect with a market that truly appreciates both the elegance and versatility of our vehicles,” said Arcade founder Rishav Kanoria. “An Arcade G-Wagen is designed for family adventures. It combines striking design with the capability to handle everything from dunes to everyday journeys, all while providing uncompromising comfort.”

The Recommission Formula

Arcade refers to its process not as restoration, but as a remastering of the G-Wagen. Much like a master recording brought into the modern era, each vehicle is disassembled to its bare bones before being rebuilt to a formula that preserves originality while amplifying craftsmanship.

The six-phase process begins with sourcing and evaluation, followed by blasting, welding, and structural metalwork. Paint specialists then apply modern anti-corrosive treatments before finishing each body in premium color options, including bespoke MSO-level commissions. Engine specialists refresh and tune powertrains to ensure reliability, while interiors undergo the most dramatic transformation—moving from spartan military cabins to environments blending leather, Alcantara, premium audio, and even overlanding or sporting equipment for clients with adventure in mind.

Arcade works with former AMG race engineers to ensure performance and build quality meet the highest standards, with every car certified under Germany’s stringent TÜV system. It’s this marriage of military authenticity and modern luxury that makes Arcade’s “remasters” stand out in a crowded collector market.

Military Pedigree, Collector Prestige

The Singaporean Army’s 240 GDs were among the rarest G-Wagens ever made—designed for airborne deployment and battlefield durability. By recommissioning just ten of them, Arcade ensures these vehicles retain their historical gravitas while becoming objects of modern luxury. For collectors, they represent a perfect storm of rarity, provenance, and bespoke craftsmanship.

Kanoria sums up the ethos simply: “Our cars are not restorations of the past—they are reimaginings for the present. The G-Wagen’s authenticity is preserved, but each client’s lifestyle and aesthetic are built into the final product.”

With just ten examples available, the Arcade 240 GD stands as one of the most exclusive G-Wagen projects ever attempted—a machine born from military grit, but elevated to a new life of curated luxury.