It’s real! We got a new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 315 4×4.

It’s a bright red ex-firetruck 🚒 that served in the Oberriet fire department in Switzerland 🇨🇭, and is equipped as follows:

• First registration: June 2008;
• 365 cm (144″) Medium Wheel Base (MWB)
• 36,000 km (22,400 miles) at time of purchase;
• 2.2 l  147 hp (110 kw) diesel motor;
• 6 speed manual transmission;
• 4×4 with low range;
• Webasto diesel space heater;
• Retractable step below the sliding door;
• Hitch with 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs) towing capacity. 

The van is equipped with seating for 12 (3 front + 9 rear). All of the rear seating will be removed. There is also a custom built dividing wall (this will also have to go), as well as a beautifully crafted aluminium floor, which we plan to keep for the Campervan conversion. 

The Sprinter is also equipped with the entire roadshow of blue lights, sirens, and firetruck markings, which sadly must also be removed. Among some of the quirks, it has two electrically opening side windows at the rear end of the vehicle (a rare feature), which will be great for ventilation in hot climates, but can only be opened from the driver’s window control panel at the front of the van – which is silly. The Sprinter is in great condition, has no rust, and will serve as an amazing base for our expedition Campervan build. Helena, our 6 year old, came up with an appropriate name for the van… “Bubbles”.

So Bubbles it will be!!