Friends: Nonong Espiritu

e-mail Nonong
Manila, Philippines
1988 SWB 280 GE

I have always wanted a G-wagen ever since I saw one. Unfortunately G-wagens are very rare here in Manila. Most G's here are from the German government's foreign aid to the Philippine government so they are used by different government agencies. Aside that these are the bare and very basic models, you could just imagine their condition before they get auctioned off . So when I chanced upon this one last October of 1999, I grabbed the opportunity and bought it.

I also own a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser and a 1990 Mitsubishi Pajero SWB with canvas top which I drive daily to work.

Automatic 4-spd
Original MB alloy wheels
Diff locks front and rear
2 reserve fuel tanks in the rear fenders
Power windows
Power locks
A/C
Original paint-Anthracite gray
Colored glass
Optional Recaro front seats
89,000 original kilometers

Update June 1, 2003
I recently discovered my 280GE was originally a Puch badged vehicle so I ordered and installed all the badging to put it back to original.

Also, as you see in the background above, I got a 290GD about a year ago from a friend who got it from a German consultant from GTZ. The German's project was cancelled so he had to sell the car since he was going back to Germany. It only had 3,000km back in '97 when my friend got it and 12,000 km when I got it last year.

I made some following upgrades to my 290gd. I got the front 463 bumpers from Europa, the rear 463 bumper from MBATC in Germany, the G500 wheels from Europa, the 463 stepping board from Chris ( also a forum member) and the new clear headlights from ORC.

warm regards,
Nonong