Nein Nein Nein

When Pat Legg went looking for a really good, unmolested Bus, she immediately said yes, yes, yes to this ex-volunteer fire van.

- James Peene

I may be a jaded old motoring hack now, but I can remember the first time I read about ex-emergency service vehicles. From that moment on, these retired fire engines and ambulances based on VWs ubiquitous Type 2 took on a near mythic status for me. I can remember thinking how amazing it would be if only I could find and own one, but knew deep in my heart that I never would. I’m sure everyone who’s heard of them has felt similarly inclined, because legend would have us believe that they are all super low milage, unrestored gems that have been locked away, but meticulously maintained throughout their lives.

Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? But what if it is true? What if you’re looking at an automotive unicorn right now? Wouldn’t that be something?

Of course it would. So here is something. Not just something, but something very, very special indeed. A completely original and unrestored retired fire Bus with all of its original equipment still intact.

Why that last fact is so amazing is simple when you think about it. After all, if you were lucky enough to buy an amazing, low mileage ex-emergency service Bus, like this fire Bus, would you want to drive round with a load of equipment that will never be of any use to you, or would you rip it out and fit a Camping interior instead? That was the fate of many such vehicles, but fortunately they tend to be bought by the more discerning collector these days. The sort of owner who knows how important it is to preserve these rare automotive gems. People like Pat Legg.

Ring a bell?