T3 Multivan Fire Bus (Sold)

Here we have a rare opportunity to buy a low mileage and very special T3.

Donated new by a local bank to their local volunteer fire service new in 1987, this van started life as a mannschaftransportwagen (people mover) used to transport fire teams to emergencies.

Always parked inside the fire station and immaculately maintained, the van was purchased  directly from the fire service and imported by the Bus Bros, the van had another private UK owner prior to myself. I’ve owned the van for around 5 years.

 

Spec Includes:

· 2.1 DJ Engine – this is the highest output high compression flat four engine produced by Volkswagen, rated at 112 bhp – the van absolutely flies and will happily cruise at 80 mph all day, should you be in a hurry.

· 5 speed AAP gearbox – regarded as the best gearbox to have with sensible ratios and a good final drive for motorway cruising.

· Factory fitted eberspacher b2l night heater – main petrol tank powered , instant and massive heating available when parked at the turn of a knob. Very useful for camping with the family.

· The van retains its Feuerwehr features including fully working continental two-tone sirens, blue beacon on the roof and all sign writing.

· The van just had a basic kombi interior when I first purchased it, which didn’t really suit our needs, however I wanted to do something sympathetic to the van and not destroy it’s Feuerwehr character, or fit a sh1t home-brew camping interior. The answer was:

To leave the front cabin exactly as is, and to identify a complimentary genuine Volkswagen interior for the rear which would give plenty seating, storage and a double bed.

·         The only answer of course was a genuine Volkswagen Westfalia Multivan Interior, in Saiga Beige to match the front cabin colour.

·         A complete rear interior was duly sourced and imported from Germany at great cost including the floor, table, headlining, all the pillar vinyls and the pop-on curtains, including the poppers.

·         The van interior was stripped, dinitrolled, sound proofed, insulated and a vapour barrier installed to prevent condensation from camping trips causing internal corrosion.

·         The front doors were fitted with sound deadening, and original Multivan door speakers were fitted, along with a Sony Ipod playing head unit, and Brickwerks genuine pattern aerial.

·         Areas around the front seat boxes, under the bench and in the rear loading area were lined with an automotive carpet in a matching colour.

·         The interior was then deep-cleaned and carefully installed.

·         A brand new old stock sliding door vinyl cover was sourced from Gunzl and installed.

·         We didn’t like the fixed nature of the original Buddy seat, so we managed to find a rare removable type in Saiga beige on German Ebay, and imported and fitted that. The advantage being it folds up when not in use, and can be removed entirely if you need the space.

·         The result is a very high quality and versatile interior, which can act as van, people mover or camper as and when required, with plenty of storage space and a very comfy double bed.

 

 

The bad

·         During our ownership, we’ve tried to fit the very best, and ideally genuine VW, parts to our van. Expense has not been spared as we never expected to be parted with it.

·         However, the previous owner is responsible for the dash tidy, and the rev counter, and the lowering springs – all useful stuff so it’s all stayed but under sufferance!

·         The van had a small amount of seam grot when we first got it, around the offside rear vertical seam, any both front vertical seams behind the front wheels (the usual places in other words). We paid a so called specialist to sort these properly, but unfortunately he didn’t so the grot is back. The paint match around the repaired areas is ok but not perfect. We could sort this out properly (i.e. use blasting equipment to properly clear out the seams, correctly treat and repaint) but we’d rather the new owner see the problem for themselves rather than think we’ve covered something up with a cheap repair. The photos look much worse than reality!

·         We believe the van has HD dampers, and definitely has aftermarket lowering springs fitted by the previous owner so the ride is firm, however he correctly trimmed the bumpstops so the ride isn’t terrible.

·         The tyres are winter tyres: they’ll probably last decades but are slightly noisy at speed.

·         There are a few small creases and small dents here and there from its service in the fire brigade. They just add to the character though really.

·         It’s been well looked after, but could do with a fresh fluid and filter service.

·         The engine sometimes misses slightly, at the start of a journey. I think this is a small amount of water contamination in the fuel tank – the van only does a couple of thousand miles a year at most so will be prone to tank condensation. I’ve never bothered with it as I think it’s down to lack of use.

·         For the avoidance of doubt, the van is left hand drive!

·         Gets a lot of attention wherever it goes, so probably not one for shy and retiring types.

 

We’re only selling the van as we’ve a new baby and it’s realistically just not going to get used for a couple of years, and I don’t want it sat around deteriorating.

It’s a rare opportunity to buy a very fast, low mileage, practical and unique vehicle.  It drives like a new van – this is my third T3 and the difference between this and a baggy 100,000 miler is like night and day.

 

This is a genuine sale of a much loved vehicle, which I wouldn’t hesitate to jump in and drive to Cornwall tomorrow. As such we’d appreciate a genuine buyer;  I’m happy to answer any questions you may have either via email or one the phone and take any extra photos you may want. The van can be viewed during evenings/weekends by appointment, and will only be released on receipt of clear funds. We are based near Shipston on Stour.

Please note we will not accept paypal as payment on this vehicle.

Taxed Until 31/10/2013

MOT Until 30/11/2013, no advisories
£3200












 


Edited by Ziegel - 26 Oct 13 at 18:46

Nice looking bus!

Lots more (better quality) pics here

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/erm1n4ck8sbdm9o/Y14bMi7dj-

At that price you are undervaluing my Caravelle!  And my savings are also under pressure!  lol  Good luck with the sale.