Drake Showcased Custom 1999 Mercedes G-Class Safari
The rapper revealed a modified 1999 Mercedes-Benz G500 that now features a two-door open-air layout.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Car Culture
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Musician Drake has debuted a highly customized 1999 Mercedes-Benz G500 Europa modified by S-KLUB LA into a specialized Safari Edition. The unique vehicle replaces the traditional enclosed roof with a steel rail system and open-air configuration.
Why it matters
This custom build highlights the growing trend of modifying vintage luxury off-roaders for bespoke aesthetic and functional performance. It demonstrates how collectors are repurposing iconic 90s-era SUVs into distinct, outdoor-oriented configurations.
The vehicle is built on a 1999 Mercedes-Benz G500 platform and features a custom audio setup with four 10-inch subwoofers. S-KLUB LA converted the body from a standard model to a two-door Safari style.
The players
Drake
A prominent musician and cultural figure known for his high-profile automotive collection and interest in unique vehicle modifications.
S-KLUB LA
A California-based automotive workshop specializing in bespoke modifications and complex structural builds for luxury vehicles.
The details
To create the Safari look, S-KLUB LA cut and restructured the original 1999 chassis into a two-door layout. Technicians removed the factory roof and installed a custom tubular roll cage paired with a steel roof-rail system. The exterior is finished in tan with widebody fenders, while the interior was upgraded with Audison Thesis speakers and DSP Forza amplifiers.
Timeline
1979: Mercedes-Benz launched the original G-Class series.
1990: The W463 generation of the G-Class was introduced.
1998: The V8-powered G500 became the new flagship range.
1999: The base model year of the vehicle underwent customization.
- 2026-10-14
Drake officially revealed the custom Safari vehicle.
The Home Front
This build represents a shift toward personalizing vintage luxury SUVs as bespoke recreational vehicles rather than preservation-grade collector pieces. It marks a departure from standard restorations by prioritizing extreme structural modification over factory authenticity.
If you are considering a custom build, consult a licensed automotive engineer before attempting structural modifications like removing roof supports. Keep all factory documentation and modification receipts organized to help maintain the vehicle's future resale value.
The takeaway
Large-scale structural modifications should always be handled by specialized professionals to ensure the vehicle remains safe to operate. If you own a vintage SUV, keep a file of all custom audio and mechanical upgrades to assist with future maintenance or insurance appraisals.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in vehicle customization in our Car Culture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NDTV.
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