From Service to Survival: The Story of the Knöringen Fire Bus

In 1965, a small but proud municipality in Südliche, Western Germany, took delivery of a brand-new Volkswagen split-screen bus. Outfitted by the renowned Albert Ziegler GmbH—a name synonymous with quality firefighting equipment in post-war Germany—this VW became the beating heart of Knöringen’s volunteer fire brigade.

For decades, it stood ready in the village fire station, responding to emergencies and assisting the community. It’s believed the crew helped around 128 residents over its years of service—a remarkable record for a small-town volunteer unit. With its flashing roof lights, siren, and 1500cc engine, it wasn’t just a workhorse; it was a symbol of safety for the villagers.

But in 1998, the end seemed inevitable. In Germany, decommissioned fire vehicles were often officially declared as waste. Local authorities issued disposal notices to ensure they were scrapped or removed from service in line with environmental and regulatory standards. Many were lost to history this way.

This bus was different. Instead of heading to the scrapyard, it was saved—still tucked away in the fire station—by the mayor himself. Around that time, a British enthusiast named Graham, having seen a similar fire bus at VanFest in Malvern years earlier, had developed a fascination with these quirky and historic machines. Through extensive searching, he found exactly what he was looking for in Knöringen and struck a deal with the mayor. The fire bus was coming to the UK.

It came complete with all its firefighting character—roof lights, siren, original water pump, and even the VW engine that once powered it in service. Some of the signwriting has since been tastefully updated on the sides, keeping the link to its firefighting past alive. And it didn’t take long before Graham had a memorable story to tell. One day, after being cut up by another driver, he instinctively hit the horn… and then, for emphasis, the blue flashing lights and siren. The effect was instant—but so was the trouble. Even after switching them off, the lights kept flashing, earning him an on-the-spot fine for using emergency equipment without being a registered fire vehicle. The lights have since been removed and the horn re-wired, but the original siren and lamp remain with the bus, ready to be refitted should a future owner wish to preserve it as a true time-capsule fire truck.

Mechanically, the bus has been well-maintained. The only bodywork carried out under Graham’s ownership has been repairs to the battery tray, rear quarter, and one side sill—blended carefully in patina to match the original paint. The underside has been wax-oiled and undersealed, with new brakes, cylinders, and a dual master cylinder fitted. It's also had new wheel arch mats fitted.

Engine-wise, the clock read 16000 when purchased back in 1998, and now it reads 16960, so it's done less than a 1000 miles in all that time! 

Today, this 1965 VW split-screen stands as both a piece of German firefighting history and a survivor of a time when vehicles were as much a part of the community as the people they served. It’s a testament to the dedication of volunteer brigades, old-timer preservationists, and enthusiasts who keep such stories alive.

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