Lot 233 - 1976 Mercedes-Benz 409 Fire Truck Camper
| Lot Number | 233 |
| Registration | OBU 818P |
| Chassis Number | 30905011203398 |
| Engine Number | n/a |
| Odometer reading | 25,000 miles |
| Result | Sold - £17,639 |
- Extensively customised – now a four berth camper
- Fully commissioned and driving example
- 3.5 tonne so can be driven on a car license
This fabulous bespoke 1976 Fire truck, now converted into a camper, is a super ECO model fitted with an LPG fuel system and solar panels which enables you to be completely off grid. Purchased from the German fire service in 2020 having covered very few miles, the truck has spent its life stored inside a fire station and therefore has remained in great condition. Unsurprisingly, it had been well maintained and was undersealed from new; the vendor even obtained the Mercedes service documents.
Before the conversion began, all service work was completed with new filters, gearbox oil change, axle oil, brake fluid and antifreeze replaced, the fuel tank was cleaned, all brakes stripped and cleaned with Mercedes parts used and we are informed no expense was spared.
The conversion retained the division from the back cab from the front so keeping full privacy when you sleep, with fantastic views when both shutters are opened. A full double bed on a platform is in the rear private section, with a projector screen so you can watch movies in bed. In the front cab there is a sofa which pulls out into a double bed creating the ‘four berth’ should it be required. The bodywork has benefitted from a complete respray inside and out and the vendor states that the engine starts every time and is incredibly reliable which is something you should expect from what was originally an emergency response vehicle!
There is a touch screen pioneer sound system and sub-woofer with USB chargers and 13amp plugs combined with the solar panels, mains battery charger and 220 amp leisure battery with a ABSO split charge relay and 1500w inverter. There is also a 240v mains hook up, 240 isolator and fuse board. Outside under the Fiamma F45 awning there is an LED light and inside 12v dimmer lights. There is no indoor kitchen because the vendor preferred to cook outside with the full awning and fold up kitchen, but ultimately with the power options available, an induction cooker could be easily adapted to the front cabin should you wish.
This petrol engine truck has a five-speed manual gearbox, which we are informed does 25/30 mpg with a switchable LPG tank so you can reduce the fuel bills on any long journey. Classified as an Historic vehicle, therefore no road tax or MoT test certificate are required. Used regularly throughout the pandemic with regular trips to Cornwall ever since, this is a great off-grid camper. It will sit comfortably at 50/60mph and spend all weekend as the coolest in the campsite! It is all about the experience and the fun of driving a fire engine. Weighing just 3.5 tonne it can also be driven on a regular license.
Guide Price £12,000-£20,000
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.