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Description
The Jeep acquired by AB Mölnbacka Trysil was equipped with a custom-built steel cab and a power take-off system that drove a front-mounted mechanical water pump/fire pump. It served as an industrial fire vehicle and led a quiet working life at the mill in Forshaga. When the vehicle was retired from service in 1979, it was purchased by a Jeep enthusiast from Hagfors.
At that point, it had covered only 7,000 km during its 28 years as a fire vehicle, making it an exceptionally sound and mechanically healthy example. The new owner, a member of the Willys Jeep Club, immediately began work. The steel cab was removed and scrapped, while a factory-new original Jeep windshield frame and a custom-made soft top were sourced. The body was then separated from the chassis and stripped down. Both the frame and drivetrain were found to be in excellent condition and required only refinishing. The Jeep was repainted in Cardinal Red Metallic, a colour used on the first Saab 99 Turbo models introduced in 1979.
The vehicle was registered in its current configuration in 1979. It is registered as a light truck and approved to carry one passenger. All functions are operational, and the vehicle is now exempt from periodic inspection requirements.
Every modification has been carefully carried out with reversibility in mind, making a return to factory-original specification relatively straightforward. The only permanent alterations are recessed rear lights integrated into the bodywork and recessed front indicators mounted in the front bumper. (A buyer wishing to restore the vehicle to its original specification will be referred to a local Jeep enthusiast who currently possesses the original wheels, steering wheel, and seats. Any arrangements to reacquire these parts would be the responsibility of the purchaser.)
Included with the vehicle are the original owner's manual, a reprinted sales brochure, and photographs documenting the restoration carried out in 1979.
Please note that the spare wheel and jack are not included.
Free history (8)
Technical data
Condition
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Mechanical condition
The Jeep retains its original L-head (flathead) engine, which—together with the rest of the drivetrain—has covered only 15,000 km from new. This mileage is guaranteed by the owner. The electrical system remains in its original 6-volt configuration, with a converter fitted to power the period cassette radio, which operates on 12 volts.
The engine starts easily and runs beautifully. Once fully warmed up and the idle speed is reduced using the hand throttle, it settles into an almost whisper-quiet idle. The transmission is a three-speed manual, while four-wheel drive is engaged via a separate lever on the floor. There is also an additional lever for the auxiliary power take-off that originally drove the front-mounted fire pump during the vehicle’s service as a fire engine.
The driveshaft running from the power take-off to the front of the vehicle remains in place, although the drive chain has been removed to prevent accidental engagement. Reinstating the system would be a straightforward task should a future owner wish to do so.
The front axle has been fitted with aftermarket locking hubs, which can easily be engaged whenever four-wheel drive is required. Please refer to the video for a demonstration.
We do not know when the engine last received an oil service, so carrying out a complete oil and filter change would be a sensible first step for the new owner. -
Interior condition
Let the 1980s roll again. The red plush seat covers, fitted in 1979, remain in remarkably well-preserved condition. Unfortunately, the rear seat cushion sustained damage from a rodent during the past winter. This is a source of genuine disappointment for the owner, who had managed to keep the interior intact for 47 years.
The front seats are high-back units sourced from a Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle). Beneath the plush covers they are trimmed in black vinyl and are believed to be in good condition. We chose not to remove the covers, as doing so could risk damaging what is now an almost unique piece of period upholstery. The next owner can therefore inspect them in person upon collection.
The soft top—often referred to as the hood or canvas top—remains in virtually as-new condition. It can be removed easily if preferred. For open-air motoring, simply removing the doors is often enough to let plenty of fresh air into the cabin.
The Jeep is also fitted with a charming Art Deco-style heater unit, an original feature retained from its days as a fire vehicle. -
Exterior condition
Aside from some paint blistering caused by the use of spray filler during the restoration—a common practice at the time—the Jeep remains in much the same fine condition it was in back in 1979. There is, of course, some minor wear, and the tyres date from the mid-1980s, but the distinctive 1980s character and atmosphere remain completely unchanged.
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General condition
A true nostalgia trip back to the Jeep scene of the early 1980s. Fully road-legal, registered, and ready to drive.
MOT (tech. insp.)
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1951-02-05 (regbes) (Ombes:19790808)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1979-08-22
Senast godkända besiktning: 2020-07-27
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 1
Facts about the model
The company operated major pulp and paper mills as well as hydroelectric power plants, with significant industrial activities in locations including Deje, Forshaga, and Kvarntorp. Following its acquisition by Uddeholms AB in 1967, AB Mölnbacka-Trysil was dissolved, and its industrial operations were gradually closed down or taken over by other companies.
Location and viewing Information
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Mathias Casserlund
mathias.casserlund@bilwebauctions.se
Pick up
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
Auction information
General information about the condition of the vehicles .
- At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
- During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
- Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
- When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
- If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
- If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
- Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
- For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.