Not to get this one confused with the Electric Light Orchestra song of the same name, this 1961 International-Harvester 4wd retired brush firetruck, apparently, at one time it was in service at the Mile High Fire Department. It is now up for sale here on eBay with a BIN 0f $5,500. Intrigued? Let’s read on…
I know that old emergency apparatus is a really niche market, however, there are fewer and fewer around as time goes by. Most old fire apparatus had their bodies scrapped and chassis turned into other things like tankers and dumptrucks.
Similarly, with retired ambulances over the years – countless numbers have become contractors’ rigs or box-vans. That being said, this particular one, being all together and not rotten-out or buried in a barn, has a bit of market value.
The seller gives us a decent idea of condition. It was apparently still in fully functional shape as recently as 2010 and has been parked for a while. They tell us that the brakes are good, the 304 V8 runs smooth but might need carburetor cleaned, it has 9000 miles on it, a 4-speed manual, and Detroit Locker in the Eaton rear.
Obviously, it is obsolete for modern fire service, however, it could make a great show/parade SPAMFAA antique fire apparatus piece and, given its modest size as compared to some old apparatus, be manageable to keep, store and maintain. For what it’s worth: My niece is 8 and loves “her” 1961 American LaFrance on a Ford C-chassis that her father (my brother) takes care of for her… I mean, hey, what kid, regardless of age, wouldn’t want a real firetruck?
Apparently, the $5,000 dollar stuff, what this sold for, are hot items. It’s a nice unit, but like all fire trucks, a very limited market. Unless you actually want to fight brush fires, which would be a noble cause, I’d pull it apart, ditch the fire apparatus, and you have a dynamite ’61 Cornbinder dually, ready for anything,,except another fire engine, of course. Considering the great condition of older fire trucks, and under $5g’s, I’d say gonna have to be quicker than this to get one.
I got the same truck with original dump body on the rear.
Steve in ny
Anyone know what those 2 handles / clamp devices are on the left rear of the box? Thanks in advance.
Fire extinguisher mounts.
My bad, read it wrong. They are spanner wrenches for tightening hose joints.
Thanks BronzeGiant! Ended: Feb 19, 2019 , 4:06AM
Sold for:US $5,000.00
[ 11 bids ]
What the heck is the thing in the front?
Chevy Guy–That thing on the front is the PUMP–Many older trucks were built this way–Real easy to work on and easy to get connected to–They were driven off the crankshaft–It was probably about 250 GPM