"FRED" - THE SOLID AND STUNNING MERCEDES 614D CONVERSION

Welcome to the listing for my beloved and magical little bus, known as “Fred”. It has been my home for 9 years. No love or expense has been spared on the construction or upkeep of this vehicle.

Originally a community bus, it has been well maintained and serviced throughout the course of its life. It belonged to my late partner – we got it as a bus and converted it to a camper. After my partner passed away suddenly, I became the sole keeper of this wonderful vehicle.

Since then, I have taken great care, pride and pleasure in making it as beautiful and functional as possible. I am a carpenter/tradesperson and budding designer, and this bus has been nurtured along with my craft.
I never planned to sell it; however, life has led me along a different path, and I have found myself at university studying architecture. Selling the bus will directly fund my studies over the next few years.

I will be letting it go with a heavy heart – like saying goodbye to an old friend, so I’ve worked hard to make sure it is the best version of itself it could be, so someone will love it as much as I do. I have spent the last 3 weeks revamping and adding some new features. Although it’s a retro bus which interior hints towards a vintage vibe, it feels brand new.

It’s had loads of the usual bits done over the years – breaks, exhaust, tyres etc (got loads of receipts, but not all) Anything that has needed to be done has been done immediately – it’s had a service every couple of years ish.
It’s just spent 10 months in a mechanics garage where it had a rusty windscreen frame replaced, new bonnet, welding repairs to front wheel arches, and amongst other bits, a brand-new paint job (6k in total)

The engine is SOLID and never had any issues. “Bomb proof” as some might say 😉 It handles a traffic jam like a boss and has never gone over its sweet spot on the temperature gage. It’s a beautiful drive. Countless mechanics and knowledgeable van people have told me how brilliant it is mechanically – “it’ll do a million miles” “you could drive all the way around the world in that” etc etc

Some brilliant bits –

– Durable, reliable, hella handsome little home on wheels
– Well insulated below windows – toasty in the winter/breezy in the summer
– New windows a few years back (the big ones)
– Vintage velvet curtains
– 3 low profile SALTPROOF solar panels – 120w each. Leisure and started batteries both 1 year of use
– Split charge relay and option to charge leisure or starter batteries from solar, just incase there was ever a flat battery situation 😉
– Good amp (so I’m told!)
– Inverter
– USB port
– Gorgeous, well placed 12v lighting throughout
– Dometica CRX50 fridge/freezer
– 24v hook up
– Double gas hob, omnia hob top oven, and a Russel Hobbs tabletop oven and grill for when you’re docked up to electric (almost new – used it a few times to heat up vegan pies)
– 55 litre water tank
– Reversing camera with night vision, audio and brand new brigade colour monitor
– “Hobbit stove” w glass front, sat on a hearth of Victorian porcelain tiles
– Extendable drying rails around fire
– Vintage furniture, loads of solid hardwood and a beech ply floor
– Pull out porta toilet (new addition just for you – never been used)
– Panoramic views/skylights, with easily removable window coverings for access – cleaning etc
– Wardrobe w full length mirror, wood storage, extra-long pull-out drawers with shoe compartments, loads of storage/scope for more underneath
– Very comfy double bed
– Multi-functional living space with removeable table and pull out second bed/daybed (new addition – very comfy!)
– Handy little foldable step to get in/out, and also a wooden ramp which will be oiled and looking lovely by the time of departure – ideal for the longer stay

Not so good bits –

– Vinyl on the sofa has couple of worn bits. Not major – a couple of sheepskins and it looks lush
– There’s a spot underneath where the tail lift used to be which requires a touch of welding. This isn’t structural (hence no advisories) but at some point it could do with some attention. This is reflected in the price.

Things to note –
– Last serviced about 500 miles ago
– 110,000 miles on the clock
– 4.2L Diesel million mile engine
– Gross vehicle weight is 5,990kg so requires an older license/C1 to drive
– 11 months MOT
– There were some after-market lights on the back – I was overjoyed to learn they could be removed (they weren’t so pretty) it’s left a few little holes – these will be nicely covered before the bus becomes yours
– One seat with a seatbelt – the driver’s seat. There are rear-facing seats in the back which 2-3 people can sit on LEGALLY during transport

This is a really magical little vehicle, built with function and durability in mind. It’ll go on forever if you take care of it 🙂