|
Fire trucks and Hearses
 |
| Crewcab ladder Truck |
In the early fifties, conversions companies
soon saw the advantage that the Type 2 could bring to Fire services everywhere.
Compact, reasonably fast and above all reliable ; firms like Meyer
Hagen immediately began Fire Truck conversions. These were usually Kombi
based, with the roomy interior given over to fire equipment, even a flat
4 powered water pump. Firms including Meyer Hagen also converted pickups
with swivel mounted rear ladders. The Type 2 was also used to ferry extra
firemen to the scene of an incident.
 |
| The split window Firetruck -© vintagebus.com |
Naturally, before long Volkswagen themselves
began to get in on the act, producing their own conversions, for the Wolfsburg
and Hanover factories as well as commercially. As with the ambulances,
these vehicles were well maintained and many have survived, both with
clubs and enthusiasts ; and also some still in use.
 ©Wheelspin |
The bay, in its microbus, panel van and Kombi
guises was also adapted for use by fire departments, both by VW themselves
and by conversions companies. Wolfsburg has its own high speed response
vehicle among them. Ladder van conversions were also continued. Along
with later third generation (brick) conversions and fire trucks based
on the LT vans ; many of these are still in use today.
Last Ride
Lastly, here is one way to go on your final
journey ; if you are a committed VW nut. Ambulance conversions specialists
Meisen also produced hearse conversions in the 1950s, as did other companies.
Probably a case where the ambulance didn't quite go fast enough.
The company of Frickinger in Germany also undertook
Hearse conversions. Even the bay window was put to this rather sombre
task, although the company who built this example is not known.
|
