Fire stations, especially those of volunteer fire brigades, are often veritable time capsules. With meticulous maintenance and low mileage, they are the perfect environment for automotive treasures to survive in great shape. With only occasional use and maintenance journeys, storage deterioration is usually rare. Lorinser Classic recently unearthed a true gem of this kind. The company is one of only 46 car dealerships in Germany allowed to use the quality seal of being a “Mercedes-Classic Partner”. The vehicle, which costs 55,000 euros, is a 1983 G-Class with only 18,700 kilometers on the clock.
The robust all-terrain vehicle with the puristic early W460 design was coveted by numerous fire brigades in Germany at the time. But not many were able to afford it, because a G was never really “cheap”, even if it almost completely lacked any luxury extras in the early days. This vehicle from the stock of Lorinser Classic at least has power steering and – as a 280 GE – the strongest version of the time. The six-cylinder gasoline engine was definitely not economical, but with the typically short journeys of a fire brigade, consumption was not much of an issue. The fast 156 HP (115 kW), on the other hand, really paid off – because every minute counts in an emergency. For unpaved roads, the vehicle is equipped not only with the standard auxiliary all-wheel drive with gear reduction. It also comes with the two optional differential locks on the front and rear axles.
“It doesn’t look like the vehicle saw too much rough action, though, because it is in excellent technical condition,” reports Managing Director Marcus Lorinser. In addition, the body and steel rims of the fire brigade vehicle have been treated to a fresh coat of paint. On the inside, the 280 GE reveals its vintage with the typical checked pattern on the fabric seats and door trim panels. The trunk is concealed behind a divided tailgate that opens to the top and bottom. It was converted into a storage compartment for fire brigade purposes using tough metal plates. “In the end, the all-terrain vehicle is a real workhorse and not designed for parading around in dress uniform,” adds Lorinser. That is also why a fixed towbar is installed at the rear of the vehicle for the Ehrsam hose transport trailer with eye hitch. And this glorious anachronism from 1965 gives an almost modern look to even a vintage G-Class.
Of course, Lorinser Classic also has something for those who prefer their classic cars with a little more chrome and tinsel – the range is extensive. But no matter which of the cars with the star changes hands in the end: If you want to be on the safe side, you should buy from a Mercedes Classic partner like Lorinser. The company offers high-quality vehicles that are checked and reconditioned according to a clearly defined checklist before delivery.
