An uncommon idea car based mostly on Mercedes-Benz G-Class operating gear is presently up on the market in the UK. It is the Intruder idea, a roadster-bodied G-Wagen constructed by now-defunct French agency Heuliez for the 1996 Paris Worldwide Motor Present.

Based in 1920 by Adolphe Heuliez, the corporate began out as a coachbuilder, however as that market dried up, it moved into specialist manufacturing for automakers, taking up small-batch initiatives just like the Renault R5 Turbo and the folding-roof mechanism for the Peugeot 206 CC.

The Intruder idea additionally took inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz SLK, which was revealed simply 4 months earlier than the off-roader on the 1996 Turin Motor Present. Just like the SLK, the Intruder sported a folding-hardtop convertible physique, however beneath was the chassis from a G320.

Heuliez retained the G-Wagen’s inline-6 engine and four-wheel-drive system—full with locking differentials. The roof took 30 seconds to decrease, in response to the itemizing over on Piston Heads.

The itemizing additionally stated the Intruder was topic to a 280,000 euro (roughly $330,000) restoration, together with servicing of the engine and convertible-top mechanism, however didn’t say when that was finished. The idea was initially proven in silver, however was repainted white and crimson at varied factors. It is now again within the authentic silver, with simply over 1,000 miles exhibiting.

The Intruder served as a prototype for a car often known as the OPAC Contender. 5 of those had been constructed, however as coupes, not convertibles. Heuliez itself disappeared within the early 2000s, because the specialist work it relied on dried up. The previous twenty years have been tough for coachbuilders and automotive design homes; even legendary names like Bertone have dissappeared.