Yes, you read that right. Somebody didn’t just draw or 3D-print a model of the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class—they carved it out of wood, piece by piece, by hand. And the result? A jaw-dropping, rolling tribute to one of the most legendary luxury SUVs ever made.
Unsurprisingly, the video of the build went viral. Millions have watched it. People around the world are stunned by the craftsmanship. Comments range from “This is art” to “I want one in my living room.” Some even joked that Mercedes should hire the creator for their design team.
And honestly? Not a bad idea.
About The Creator: Truong Van Dao
- Name: Truong Van Dao
- Nationality: Vietnamese
- Profession: Woodworking artist, YouTuber, and sculptor
- YouTube Channel: ND – Woodworking Art
- Notable Works: Life-size wooden versions of the Lamborghini Sian, Bugatti Chiron, Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Dao is widely admired not only for his talent but for the fact that he often involves his young son in the creative process. In fact, many of his car builds are gifts for his children—a blend of fatherly love and artistic brilliance.
A Wooden G-Wagon? Seriously?
At first, it sounds like a prank or some clever CGI. But this is the real deal. A Vietnamese craftsman, known for turning solid wood into astonishing car replicas, took on one of the most iconic shapes in automotive design—the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, also lovingly called the G-Wagon.
Armed with nothing but timber, chisels, and creativity, he recreated the bold, boxy silhouette that fans have adored since the ‘70s. From its flat panels and squared-off fenders to the rugged spare wheel at the back—it’s all there. Just in wood.
The Details Will Blow Your Mind
This isn’t just a blocky sculpture. This thing has working doors, a realistic interior, functioning lights, and it even moves—thanks to a basic motorized chassis. It’s like a full-size toy that blends traditional craftsmanship with the spirit of automotive design.
The creator didn’t stop at the body panels. The interior features wooden seats, a dashboard, a steering wheel, and center console, all carved with incredible precision. Even the Mercedes star on the grille is present, made from the same golden brown wood.
Talk about dedication.
Every Detail, Recreated By Hand
This isn’t some rough blocky shell. The wooden G-Class has everything—grille slats, headlights, side mirrors, the Mercedes-Benz badge, wheels, and even the iconic boxy fenders. And yes, the doors open, the wheels roll, and the steering wheel actually turns.
The attention to detail is borderline obsessive. Every inch is sanded smooth and polished. The interior? Fully decked out in carved wood too. There are seats, a dashboard, and even a working horn—all made from timber.
And just to be clear, this isn’t just art. It’s also engineering.
Why The G-Class?
Of all cars, why pick the G-Wagon? Maybe because it’s instantly recognizable. Its military origins, bold stance, and luxury-overland combo make it a pop culture icon. Celebrities love it. Off-roaders respect it. And for artisans, it’s a challenge that’s as rewarding as it is difficult.
Carving a G-Class isn’t like carving a rounded sports car. The G-Wagon has flat surfaces, sharp edges, intricate grilles, and tiny details that demand patience. It’s a box on wheels, yes—but a box with a lot of character.
So, why does this matter in a world full of real supercars and digital renders? Because in an age of automation, seeing someone pour their soul into a handmade replica is refreshing. This wooden G-Class doesn’t run on fuel or batteries. It runs on passion.
It’s also a reminder that luxury doesn’t always need to be about price tags. Sometimes, it’s about effort. The time you spend. The love you carve into every edge. That’s priceless.
Craft Meets Culture
Wood carving has deep cultural roots in many Asian countries, including Vietnam. It’s often associated with temple doors, furniture, and sculptures of dragons or deities. But this new generation of craftsmen are flipping tradition on its head—literally putting wheels on their carvings.
The wooden G-Wagon is more than art. It’s a statement about merging modern obsession with traditional technique. It shows what happens when you blend engineering passion with handmade skill.
It Went Viral, Of Course
Once the video hit YouTube and social media, it spread like wildfire. Car lovers, artists, and even people who barely care about SUVs were stunned by the craftsmanship.
And no surprise—millions of views poured in. Viewers couldn’t believe it was made of nothing but wood and hard work.
“Wait, that’s not metal?”
“Is that even real?”
“How long did this take?!”
Spoiler: it took several weeks, countless hours, and a whole lot of sawdust.
A Labor Of Love And Sawdust
The artist behind this wooden masterpiece is a talented Vietnamese woodworker and YouTuber known for his channel ND – Woodworking Art. With nothing but a vision, a massive block of wood, and an arsenal of chisels, saws, and sanders, he set out to recreate one of the most iconic SUVs in the world—the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
A Lesson In Passion
The wooden Mercedes-Benz G-Class is more than just a cool video or a viral moment. It’s a reminder of what humans can do when they truly love something. Whether it’s woodwork or automobiles—or both—passion brings magic to life.
And in a world obsessed with AI, automation, and quick results, this project shows the power of slowing down and making something by hand. It’s timeless, just like the G-Class itself.
Final Thoughts
Somebody actually carved a wooden Mercedes-Benz G-Class—and it might be the coolest thing you’ll see this year. It’s not just a sculpture. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when creativity meets skill, and when love for a car goes way beyond driving it.
Would it pass emissions? Probably not. But in the world of handmade art, this wooden G-Class is already a legend. Some people build Lego cars. Others collect diecasts. But this guy? He carves full-size, working luxury SUVs out of wood. The wooden G-Wagon isn’t just impressive. It’s a symbol of creativity, patience, and pure car-loving joy.
FAQs
Is The Wooden G-Wagon Functional?
It is! While it’s not road-legal, the wooden G-Class can move using a motorized platform and features working lights, doors, and interior details.
Who Created The Wooden Mercedes G-Class?
The project was built by a Vietnamese artisan known for his handcrafted wooden cars. His work is widely shared on YouTube and social media.
How Long Did It Take To Build The Wooden G-Class?
The build took several weeks, involving intricate carving, assembly, and detailing — all done by hand using traditional woodworking tools.
Why Choose The G-Class For A Wood Carving Project?
The G-Class is iconic, instantly recognizable, and full of flat surfaces and bold details that challenge and inspire woodcarvers with serious skill.
Where Can I Watch The Wooden G-Wagon Being Made?
You can find videos of the full build process on YouTube — just search for “wooden G-Class” or “wooden Mercedes-Benz carved by hand.