Banyan Motors is a German classics restoration and build house. We restore with an OEM‑style philosophy—correct in stance, materials, engineering intent, and assembly discipline—so the finished vehicle feels period‑new, not simply refreshed.

We do two things, exceptionally well:

• Restore and build the most iconic German vehicles with museum‑grade standards.
• Guide clients through sourcing, specification, and long‑term ownership so the experience is as refined as the finished car.

Our work is executed through a binational team anchored in Stuttgart and the United States. Certain steps are intentionally carried out in Germany—because that is where the marque knowledge, supplier ecosystem, and specialist craftsmanship converge.

• Air‑cooled Porsche 911 (1964–1998) — early long‑hood through 993, including the 930 Turbo era.
• Blue‑chip classic Mercedes‑Benz — centered on the W113 Pagoda and W111 280SE family (and closely related variants).
• Classic Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class (pre‑2000) — diesel and gasoline, SWB and LWB, soft top and hard top.

No. You can engage Banyan in three ways:

• Commission a build (we source a donor and restore/build to your specification).
• Purchase a completed Banyan vehicle (when available).
• Send your own vehicle for restoration (subject to candidate evaluation).

We build like OEMs think: corrosion protection, structural correctness, mechanical integrity, and serviceability come first. Cosmetics follow engineering—not the other way around. We do not compromise quality, and we do not treat customer cars as test platforms.

When you take delivery, the car should feel as if it has just left the factory in its era—tight, resolved, correct—yet calibrated to be enjoyed and supported in the modern world.

Yes. Donor procurement is a dedicated discipline at Banyan. We locate, inspect, verify, document, and coordinate logistics so your project begins with a car worth restoring.

Yes. We restore customer‑supplied vehicles to the same standard as Banyan‑sourced projects, provided the chassis is a viable foundation.

Yes. If you decide to sell, Banyan can assist with a refresh, positioning, and sale through our network.

Banyan Motors specializes exclusively in air-cooled Porsche 911 restorations, covering the complete air-cooled production run from the earliest long-hood cars through the final 993 generation.

This includes all naturally aspirated and turbocharged air-cooled 911 variants, including the legendary Porsche 930 Turbo.

Below is a comprehensive list of air-cooled Porsche 911 models we are equipped to restore:

We restore the original air-cooled 911s, often referred to as long-hood models.

• Porsche 911 (1964–1967)
• Porsche 911 T
• Porsche 911 E
• Porsche 911 S
• Porsche 911 L
• Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7
• Porsche 911 Carrera RSR
• Porsche 911 ST

(Includes short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase chassis.)

We restore these air-cooled 911 G-Models - some of the most iconic Porsche models ever produced.

• Porsche 911
• Porsche 911 T
• Porsche 911 E
• Porsche 911 S
• Porsche 911 Carrera
• Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7
• Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0
• Porsche 911 SC
• Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2
• Porsche 930 Turbo
• Porsche 930 Turbo 3.0
• Porsche 930 Turbo 3.3
• Porsche 911 Speedster (1989)

We restore vehicles from the 964 generation, which retained air-cooled engines while adding modern suspension, ABS, and power steering.

• Porsche 911 Carrera 2 (964)
• Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (964)
• Porsche 911 Turbo (964)
• Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3
• Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6
• Porsche 911 RS America
• Porsche 911 Carrera RS (964)
• Porsche 911 Speedster (964)

The final air-cooled Porsche 911 generation and one of the most sought-after by collectors.

• Porsche 911 Carrera (993)
• Porsche 911 Carrera 2 (993)
• Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (993)
• Porsche 911 Carrera S (993)
• Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (993)
• Porsche 911 Turbo (993)
• Porsche 911 Turbo S (993)
• Porsche 911 Carrera RS (993)
• Porsche 911 GT2 (993)

Across all generations, we restore every factory air-cooled 911 body configuration:

• Coupe
• Targa
• Cabriolet
• Speedster

Yes. Banyan Motors has deep experience restoring the Porsche 930 Turbo, including both 3.0-liter and 3.3-liter turbocharged air-cooled variants. Our restorations focus on mechanical correctness, period-accurate finishes, and drivability while respecting the originality and character that define the 930.

All Porsche 911s produced from 1964 through 1998 are air-cooled.

If your car is a 996 (1999+) or newer, it is water-cooled and not within our traditional restoration scope.

Yes. Our objective is simple: the car should feel period‑correct—yet dependable, resolved, and ready for real roads. When upgrades are requested (comfort, drivability, performance), we engineer them with restraint, historical awareness, and long‑term service in mind.

Banyan Motors restores most classic Mercedes-Benz G-Class models built prior to the year 2000, across a wide range of configurations. This includes vehicles commonly referred to as the G-Wagen, G-Wagon, or Geländewagen, in both diesel and gasoline variants, and in short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB) body styles.

While certain models have become more popular over time, our work is not limited to any single G-Class configuration.

The classic (25+ year old) Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen, commonly known as the G-Wagen or G-Wagon, was offered in a wide range of gasoline and diesel variants.

Common vintage G-Class models include, but are not limited to:

Diesel G-Class Models

• 240GD
• 250GD
• 290GD
• 300GD

Gasoline G-Class Models

• 230GE
• 280GE
• 300GE
• 320GE

Each of these models was available in multiple configurations, including SWB and LWB, two-door and four-door, and soft top or hard top body styles.

Yes. Banyan Motors restores most classic Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles produced before 2000, including:

• Short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB)
• Two-door and four-door
• Soft top / Cabriolet and hard top
• Gasoline and diesel engines

Whether you are looking for a 230GE Puch, a 250GD Wolf, a G500 or another classic G-Wagen configuration, we can restore a vehicle you already own or assist in sourcing a suitable donor.

Yes. Most classic Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles are eligible for legal import into the United States under the 25-year import rule.

Under U.S. federal regulations, any vehicle that is 25 years or older is exempt from modern EPA and DOT compliance requirements, making it legal to import and register in the United States when properly documented.

This applies to many vintage G-Wagen, G-Wagon, and Geländewagen models, including both diesel and gasoline variants.

Most classic pre-2000 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles qualify for import into the U.S. under the 25-year rule, including:

• 230GE
• 240GD
• 250GD (including the 250GD Wolf)
• 290GD
• 300GD
• 280GE
• 300GE
• 320GE

Eligible vehicles include short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB) configurations, as well as hard top and soft top body styles.

Yes. Banyan Motors provides white-glove importation services for classic Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles, handling the entire process from origin to final delivery.

Our team coordinates international freight, logistics, customs clearance, and U.S. importation for 25-year-rule eligible G-Wagen, G-Wagon, and Geländewagen models. We also assist with state-level title and registration documentation, helping ensure a smooth transition once the vehicle arrives in the United States.

For clients with time-sensitive needs, we offer both standard ocean freight and air freight or expedited shipping options, depending on vehicle configuration and destination.

Whether we are sourcing a vehicle overseas or importing a G-Class you already own, Banyan Motors manages the process end-to-end, allowing clients to focus on the build rather than the logistics.

Yes. Banyan Motors offers select engine upgrade options for classic Mercedes-Benz G-Class restorations, depending on the goals of the build and the intended use of the vehicle.

Our most common engine upgrades include the American LT1 V8 and the Mercedes-Benz M113 V8, each offering a distinct driving experience while maintaining reliability and serviceability.

The LT1 is a modern American V8 platform known for its strong torque delivery, broad parts availability, and ease of service. This option is often chosen by clients who want modern performance, straightforward maintenance, and excellent drivability for long-distance or daily use.

Key characteristics of the LT1 upgrade include:

• Naturally aspirated V8 performance
• Strong low-end torque suited to the G-Wagen platform
• Widely available parts and service support in the U.S.
• Proven reliability and modern engine management

The LT1 is well suited for clients prioritizing power, usability, and service access without sacrificing the classic G-Class character.

The M113 V8 is one of Mercedes-Benz’s most respected naturally aspirated engines and is considered an iconic and period-correct upgrade for classic G-Class builds.

Key characteristics of the M113 upgrade include:

• Naturally aspirated Mercedes-Benz V8
• Known for durability, smooth power delivery, and longevity
• Maintains a factory Mercedes-Benz driving feel
• Ideal for clients seeking a more OEM-aligned powertrain

The M113 is often chosen by clients who want authentic Mercedes engineering, refined performance, and a powertrain that feels cohesive with the original vehicle.

Both engine options can be tailored to short wheelbase (SWB) or long wheelbase (LWB) G-Class builds and are available for gasoline-powered restorations. The best choice depends on your preferences around performance, originality, serviceability, and how you plan to use the vehicle.

Our team works closely with each client to determine the most appropriate engine configuration for their specific build.

Yes. The 250GD Wolf remains one of the most iconic and historically significant G-Wagens ever produced, and we continue to restore these vehicles regularly.

The 250GD Wolf is especially known for its short wheelbase (SWB) layout, diesel powertrain, frameless doors, and fold-down windshield, giving it a distinctly utilitarian and military-inspired character. While not every client wants this configuration, it remains highly sought after by collectors who value originality and heritage.

We also restore other diesel G-Class models, including long wheelbase variants, depending on the goals of the build.

The 250GD and 230GE are two of the most well-known classic Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G-Wagen / G-Wagon / Geländewagen) variants. While they share the same rugged platform and timeless design, they offer very different ownership and driving experiences.

Mercedes-Benz 230GE

The 230GE is a gasoline-powered G-Class that offers a more refined and versatile driving experience while retaining the classic G-Wagen design.

Key characteristics of the 230GE include:

• Gasoline engine with smoother power delivery
• Commonly found in long wheelbase (LWB), four-door configurations
• Available with automatic transmissions
• Better on-road manners and highway usability
• Quieter and more comfortable for daily or long-distance driving

The 230GE is often preferred by clients looking for a classic G-Class that is easier to live with, especially for regular use, road trips, or urban driving.

Mercedes-Benz 250GD

The 250GD is a diesel-powered G-Class most closely associated with military and utility use. It is best known for its durability, simplicity, and off-road capability.

Key characteristics of the 250GD include:

• Diesel engine focused on longevity and fuel efficiency
• Typically found in short wheelbase (SWB) configurations
• Often associated with the 250GD Wolf military variant
• Manual transmission is most common
• Slower acceleration and lower top speed
• Extremely robust, mechanical driving feel

The 250GD is ideal for buyers who value authenticity, heritage, and utilitarian character. It appeals strongly to collectors who want a classic diesel G-Wagen with a purpose-built, analog feel.

Yes. Banyan Motors specializes in select blue-chip classic Mercedes-Benz restorations, with a primary focus on the 280SL Pagoda and the 280SE. These models represent some of the most collectible, elegant, and enduring Mercedes vehicles ever produced.

The 280SL Pagoda and 280SE are widely regarded as blue-chip Mercedes due to their combination of:

• Timeless design
• Mechanical durability
• Strong historical significance
• Consistent long-term collector demand

Both models offer an ownership experience rooted in craftsmanship, elegance, and engineering excellence rather than trends or speculation.

The 280SL Pagoda is one of the most iconic roadsters ever built. Named for its distinctive concave hardtop roofline, the Pagoda blends sportiness with refinement in a way few classics can match.

Key characteristics of the 280SL Pagoda include:

• Inline-six gasoline engine
• Balanced performance with refined road manners
• Available as a roadster with soft top and removable hardtop
• Exceptional build quality and timeless proportions
• Highly liquid collector market worldwide

The 280SL is often favored by collectors seeking a usable classic that can be enjoyed regularly while retaining long-term value.

The 280SE represents classic Mercedes luxury in its purest form. Available in both coupe and sedan configurations, the 280SE is known for its elegant design, smooth driving experience, and understated presence.

Key characteristics of the 280SE include:

• Inline-six gasoline engine
• Emphasis on comfort, composure, and craftsmanship
• Spacious interior with premium materials
• Ideal for long-distance touring and relaxed driving
• Strong appeal among collectors who value originality and refinement

The 280SE is often chosen by clients who want a graceful, comfortable classic Mercedes with timeless styling rather than overt sportiness.

Yes. We can restore a vehicle you already own or assist in sourcing a suitable donor car. We work with trusted partners and international suppliers to locate high-quality examples when needed.

Yes. Banyan Motors is capable of restoring a wide range of classic Mercedes-Benz models beyond the 280SL Pagoda and 280SE.

This includes earlier SL variants such as the 230SL and 250SL, as well as other SE models across similar generations. From a technical and craftsmanship standpoint, these vehicles can be restored to the same high standard.

While we can restore earlier or less common variants, we generally recommend focusing on the most blue-chip Mercedes models when possible.

The 280SL Pagoda (W113) and 280SE (W111) tend to offer:

• Stronger long-term resale value
• Greater collector demand globally
• Better market liquidity
• Broader parts availability
• Higher confidence for future buyers

As a result, these models typically represent a better balance of enjoyment, collectibility, and financial prudence over time.

The 230SL and 250SL are excellent cars and important predecessors within the Pagoda lineage. However, the 280SL is generally considered the most desirable of the three due to its increased displacement, improved drivability, and broader market appeal.

For clients who care about future value and ease of resale, the 280SL is usually the preferred choice, even when restoration costs are similar.

Banyan Motors approaches each project with a long-term perspective. In many cases, that means advising clients not just on what can be restored, but what should be restored based on collectibility, market behavior, and ownership goals.

That guidance is part of our value as a restoration partner.

Yes. Banyan Motors offers both manual and automatic transmission options across our classic Mercedes-Benz restorations, depending on the model, original specification, and the goals of the build.

For models such as the 280SL Pagoda, 230SL, 250SL, and 230SE, 250SE, 280SE (W111), we can restore vehicles in their original manual or automatic configuration, or advise on the most appropriate transmission choice based on drivability, originality, and long-term collectibility.

Yes. Banyan Motors restores coupe, cabriolet, and sedan variants across select classic Mercedes-Benz platforms, including SL and SE models. Each body style presents different restoration considerations, and our approach is tailored accordingly.

Classic Mercedes coupes, particularly pillarless designs, are prized for their proportions and craftsmanship.

Our coupe restorations focus on:

• Structural integrity and body alignment
• Door fitment and frameless window operation
• Correct chrome, trim, and glass detailing
• Interior materials and period-correct finishes

Coupes often represent a strong balance between elegance, usability, and collectibility, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts.

Cabriolets are among the most collectible classic Mercedes body styles, but they also require the highest level of restoration precision.

Our cabriolet restorations emphasize:

• Chassis reinforcement and structural correctness
• Convertible top mechanisms and fabric fitment
• Weather sealing and window alignment
• Authentic interior materials and finishes

Because cabriolets are structurally more complex, we approach these builds with a focus on longevity, rigidity, and drivability, not just appearance.

Sedans represent classic Mercedes engineering at its most understated and functional.

Our sedan restorations focus on:

• Mechanical reliability and ride quality
• Correct suspension geometry and braking performance
• Interior comfort and craftsmanship
• Factory-correct paint, trim, and detailing

Sedans are often chosen by clients who value comfort, composure, and regular usability, and they remain an important part of classic Mercedes history.

While all three body styles can be restored to an exceptional standard, market behavior typically favors:

• Cabriolets for maximum collectibility and rarity
• Coupes for balance between elegance and usability
• Sedans for comfort, value, and understated ownership

We help clients evaluate these differences when planning a restoration, especially when long-term resale value and collectibility are priorities.