This pump built on a Mercedes Ecoliner chassis is one of the earlier examples of the Rosenbauer design, which integrated the crew cab into the rear bodywork and retained the separate factory driver’s cab.
Previously most European bodybuilders used a factory or custom crew cab and a separate rear body, and indeed this concept continues with many units on Renault, Scalia and Volvo chassis.
In the UK, the separate factory driver’s cab with the crew compartment integrated with the rear body was first seen on the Ford D series with HCB Angus bodies sold to Gloucestershire in 1966, but since evolved quite rapidly.
In general it tends to provide a wider and sometimes higher cab for crew members, with arguably better accommodations for crew members and equipment kept in the cab area to be readily available to hand.
Previously most European bodybuilders used a factory or custom crew cab and a separate rear body, and indeed this concept continues with many units on Renault, Scalia and Volvo chassis.
In the UK, the separate factory driver’s cab with the crew compartment integrated with the rear body was first seen on the Ford D series with HCB Angus bodies sold to Gloucestershire in 1966, but since evolved quite rapidly.
In general it tends to provide a wider and sometimes higher cab for crew members, with arguably better accommodations for crew members and equipment kept in the cab area to be readily available to hand.
Added by Rob Johnson on 29 May 2021.