1969 Mercedes-Benz L408 G Auxiliary Fire Van: 16k Orig. Mi, Incredibly Original

Offered for sale is a fantastic, xceedingly well preserved and entirely original 1969 Mercedes-Benz L408 G Auxiliary Fire Truck outfitted from new by Bachert Feuerwehrtechnik (the oldest fire equipment truck outfitting company in the world) and delivered new to the Freiwillige Feuerwehr Heide-Stadt, he Volunteer Fire Department of Heide, small town in the Dithmarschen district of Northern Germany. Today Heide has a population of 21,000, nd from what we can determine, hat number was as low as 6,000 in 1969, hen this truck first began its commission. We mention this to point out just how small Heide was and is today, hich directly correlates to the low volume of service calls received by their Volunteer Fire Department, s well as their limited level of funding. The end result of course is that vehicles owned and operated by the Department accrued very few miles in service and were expected to last for many, any years. Decommissioned just last year and subsequently imported to the U.S., his is absolutely the case for this exceptional example, aving been driven a shockingly low 27k original kilometers (or 16,778 miles) in nearly 45 years of trusty service.

As one would expect of a firehouse kept and perpetually maintained low mileage service vehicle, he truck exhibits an extremely limited amount of wear. The paint is lovely and consistent, ut not without its flaws (it was used in the field after all), owever those flaws are far and few between, ifficult to see in the photos and in many ways only add to this truck's vintage appeal. The body itself is rust-free and entirely straight and true, xhibiting no evidence of any past accident damage and retaining even and correct panel fits and gaps throughout. All of the original glass is in excellent condition, s are the wheels and all of the original trim, nd the car's undercarriage is entirely solid and original.

Featuring the correct Freiwillige Feuerwehr Heide-Stadt insignias (very cool, onsidering they depict a knight killing a fire-breathing dragon) and the original and fully functional Eisemann RKLE 90 flashing blue lights and twin modulating Hella Supertone sirens with their distinct European tone, his example is certainly an attention grabber, lthough for legality's sake we'd recommend not engaging the light or siren when on public roads. Of all the unique, lassic or collector cars that we've owned, o single vehicle has come close to drawing the same attention as this L408 Auxiliary Fire Truck. Thumbs ups, aves and requests for photographs run rampant - people just can't help but smile in this car's presence.

The car's interior is in equally clean, ntirely original condition, he seats showing virtually no wear, hich can also be said for the molded dash, nterior panels, eadliner and rubberized floors. Everything works as it should, testament to the meticulous care afforded by the Department, nd the truck retains its original Bachert fire-specific fittings, ncluding ladder/hose racks on the roof, xtinguisher mounts, tc. The original tool and accessory cabinets and other interior fittings have been removed, eaving the rear cabin open for the next owner's interpretation. Perfect as a unique owner-operator work van, romotional vehicle for a business or fantastic weekend camper or surf van, his L408 can be viewed as both practical and outrageous, nd that's entirely up to the next lucky owner.

As one would expect of a 27k kilometers (or 16k miles) 1960s Mercedes L408 that's been systematically fire-department maintained, t is also mechanically fantastic, ts original 2.2L I4 engine starting up flawlessly, dling consistently and pulling strongly and smoothly through each of the manual transmission's gears. Compression is excellent and even across all cylinders and the truck drives and brakes straight and true, t's road manners impeccable. Unlike a majority of its diesel-versioned brethren, his gasoline powered L408 is also capable of highway speeds and can be driven in modern traffic quite comfortably. This era is arguably Mercedes-Benz's most notable, arning the marque its well-engineered, bullet-proof” prominence, nd this L408 certainly lives up to that reputation.

This is an excellent and truly uncommon opportunity to acquire an incredibly well preserved, ow mileage, mpeccably maintained and cared for example of a wonderful investment grade truck. Whether it be for the serious collector, practical work-van for a business owner or a unique weekend driver for the enthusiast, his L408 is sure to provide years of fun, tility and trusty service to its next owner.