This classic fire truck is very cool

Ready for action

There’s something very cool about classic working vehicles and this 1983 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is no exception.

And the fact it’s received attention from respected, long-term Mercedes-Benz specialist Lorinser is reassurance that it doesn’t just look fantastic, it is in top condition, too.

Period perfect

This is a 280GE that’s done just 18,700km, and from its steel wheels and flat-red paint to its checked upholstery, it’s every inch a classic 460-series G-Wagen.

But with its sirens, kitted-out interior and the hose transporter hitched to the back, it is ready to go to work.

The power of six

Being a 280GE – the top of the range, no less – power comes courtesy of this fuel-injected straight-six 2746cc M110 engine.

That means 154bhp and 167lb ft torque, giving the standard, short-wheelbase version a 98mph top speed – or 48mph off-road!

Hose off?

Every fire truck needs hoses, right?

And this G-Wagen tows this classic hose-hauler behind it. We love the steel wheels colour-matched to its towcar’s body.

Loving care

The dazzling white paint and very ’80s checked cloth-trim interior appear to have been incredibly well preserved.

Of course, Lorinser has given it some TLC, but the firm’s Managing Director says, “It doesn’t look like the vehicle saw too much rough action, though, because it is in excellent technical condition.”

Plug and play

All the electrical connections are working and ready to go, too.

Not that you’d really want to attend a fire today in this crisp classic – we can’t see where you’d store the water and, anyway, why risk that lovely paintjob?

A lick of paint

Speaking of the very 1980s flat-red paint, the 280GE has had a fresh coat applied since being with Lorinser.

Those great steel wheels have been repainted, too.

The hose story

Here is that classic hose-hauling trailer once again, hitched to the fixed towbar.

Think it looks old? That’s because it’s from 1965, meaning it is 18 years older than the vehicle towing it.

Low-mile lovely

At least one reason this classic Mercedes-Benz workhorse remains in such super condition today is plain to see from its odometer – it has covered just 18,774km in its 37 years.

That’s fewer than 12,000 miles.

And, as you can also see from this photo, this 280GE has diff locks on the front and rear axles.

Behind the wheel

The 460 is the original generation of G-Wagen, built between 1979 and 1992.

And while Mercedes-Benz produced 9945 280GEs (including all body types), we bet relatively few were quite like this one.

Room for three

There is space for a third – lonely – firefighter, too, in the rather caged-in rear seat.

But while the front occupants have seatbelts, it doesn’t look like this feature extended to back here.

Plain fantastic

Lorinser itself has a history longer than the G-Wagen.

The company was established back in 1930 in Winnenden, Germany, by master mechanic Erwin Lorinser, and business went so well that a new site was opened in nearby Waiblingen in 1961.

The specialist is still there today, in a factory and showroom opened in 2003.

Practical performer

Open this G-Wagen’s split tailgate and you’ll find an organised, hard-wearing storage area.

With a number of metal compartments, it will help keep items secure in transit.

Shedding some light on the matter

Indeed, it looks like this classic fire truck comes – at least partially – equipped!

Floodlights would certainly be useful to have when working after dark.

Check it out

Yes, this is one cool piece of kit.

Of course, we can’t honestly say how proficient it would be at tackling a blaze, especially given the technologies available today, but as a classic vehicle to drive and enjoy, we think it is really very special.

Splash out?

Like the look of this apparently beautifully finished, classic fire truck? You’ll need to get saving – or tell Father Christmas you’ve been a very good boy or girl this year.

Lorinser is selling it – and, we presume, its hose-carrying trailer – for €55,000.