Long before the days of the West Side LA G-Wagen, it was a hard-working military rig with crank-windows and checkered cloth seats. That humble plaid upholstery (the stuff Mercedes stitched into its utilitarian trucks of the era), just became the unlikely muse for one of the better collabs we’ve seen this year.
Canadian luggage maker Monos has linked up with Vancouver restoration outfit Pre-Merger on the Aluminum Rodeo Check collection, inspired by (and given away alongside) a one-of-one 1998 Milspec Heritage G-Class.
From Tokyo, With Italian Paint
Pre-Merger, a shop name that’s presumably a nod to Mercedes before the DaimlerChrysler days, started with a 1998 G320 imported from Tokyo and rebuilt it into what Monos calls a grand touring off-roader. The truck wears a W461 Professional styling upgrade, 16-inch PUR × Milspec wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich KO3 all-terrains, and a custom-tinted coat of OEM Alfa Romeo Amaranto.
Yes, that’s Italian paint on a German military truck. And we must say, that deep burgundy paint job is flat-out gorgeous.
Mechanically is still powered by the factory 3.2-liter M112 V6 and the 5-speed automatic remains untouched. There is a Continental Bluetooth head unit to sneak some modern audio into the cabin without completely wrecking the vibe.
The Plaid Is the Whole Point
Inside, the leather has been fully reupholstered around custom-woven Rodeo Plaid seat inserts, with restored plaid door panels to match. And, it’s in that pattern where the luggage comes into play.
Monos took the check and debossed it across the gunmetal shells of its aluminum line, which looks a lot like plum under studio light. Each piece gets an electroplated, anodized brushed finish, riveted corner guards, and a diamond-quilted black interior. It’s offered in five sizes from the Carry-On up to the Trunk Large.
Spec Sheet
Vehicle: Monos × Pre-Merger Milspec Heritage G-Class (one-of-one)
Base Vehicle: 1998 Mercedes-Benz G320 (Tokyo import)
Engine: Factory 3.2-liter M112 V6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Exterior: Custom-tinted OEM Alfa Romeo Amaranto
Wheels/Tires: 16″ PUR × Milspec wheels, BFGoodrich KO3 (265/75R16)
Interior: Reupholstered leather with Rodeo Plaid inserts and panels
Luggage Collection: Aluminum Rodeo Check (limited edition)
Luggage Finish: Debossed check, gunmetal with tonal black detailing
Luggage Sizes: 5, from Carry-On to Trunk Large
Luggage Pricing: $745-$875
Giveaway Window: October 7 – November 26, 2026
Pricing & Availability
The Aluminum Rodeo Check collection is available now at Monos’s website, running from $745 for the Carry-On up to $875 for the Trunk Large. The G-Class itself can’t be bought (you can only win it). The giveaway runs through November 26 for US and Canadian residents (sorry, Alaska, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Quebec), with the grand prize bundling the truck, airfare and a two-night Vancouver stay, and a full set of the luggage.
Recap
Monos × Pre-Merger Rodeo Check Collection & 1998 Mercedes-Benz G320 Giveaway
Monos teamed with Vancouver restoration shop Pre-Merger on gunmetal aluminum luggage debossed with vintage G-Class plaid, and the one-of-one Alfa-painted 1998 G320 that inspired it is the grand prize of a giveaway running through November 26.
