When we come across unusual gray-market vehicles these days, they’ve typically been imported in the last few months as running, driving projects that are practically turnkey. This 1964 Unimog fire truck is a curiosity in that it doesn’t appear to be a recent import and the seller notes it’s been sitting long enough to need the fuel system flushed out. Find it here on craigslist with a $13,000 asking price in Bigfork, Montana. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Steve B. for the find.
This is a true German-market fire apparatus, as evidenced by the call numbers on the rear and the graphics on the hood (my German professor would be so sad to know I couldn’t recite the translation for fire truck off the top of my head). Paint looks decent and the Unimog retains all of its original / authentic fire fighting equipment. Interestingly, the seller notes it comes with a workshop manual in English.
The interior is complete and the dust on the windshield tells the tale as it relates to this Unimog’s long-term status as an idled vehicle. But why? The seller doesn’t recount any tale of how the ‘Mog was imported and forgotten about; just that it would make an excellent “bug-out” vehicle, or those rigs that are otherwise designed to survive the next Apocalypse and keep running when other vehicles fall victim to their burdensome electronics.
The body doesn’t show any major signs of rot, but the roof seems to confirm outdoor storage. Fortunately, Montana is a fairly dry place, so being left without shelter isn’t exactly problematic like it is here in the northeast. I dig the ladder racks up top, and can agree with the seller that a genuine Unimog fire truck should have some sort of utilitarian calling even in its post-emergency vehicle retirement. Would you build a bug-out rig or restore it is a rolling tribute to German firefighters?
What is a “Bug out rig?”
A bug out rig is one that you can escape the great zombie attack or the inevitable end of the earth! I don’t care what you are in, when the maker says enough is enough, nobody will escape! Basically a vehicle that you can escape disaster in! The Unimog would certainly try tho! Probably have the best chance in one anyway!
Always wondered why the Germans in particular designed such awkward looking fire apparatus. Maybe it was to be used in a rocky terrain area but even so it seems its utility in an urban area is nil. I’m guessing its so slow that the Walking Dead would catch up and swarm you before you could “bug out”.
I am actually surprised that no one has jumped on this already! If it’s just fuel system problem, pretty easy fix! 13 grand is a steal!
Yep, $13k seems kinda low for this.
I brought two identical 404s in from Germany back in the eighties. Probably had $5K each in them with shipping. Each had 10k KM. Just village fire trucks.Complete with PTO winches and massive flood/spot lights. Lot of fun but geared for Max speed of 35mph, so little practical use. Got $15k each in late 80’s so price seems more than fair.
These were marketed briefly in the US, some were imported, but they were very expensive.