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The seller says this units are “FWD brand meaning four wheel drive”. Since it appears there are 6 wheels on the units an “AWD” (all wheel drive) destination might be more appropriate? We believe the “FWD” referred to “front wheel drive”. Everyone knew there was power to the back wheels. Listed here on craigslist Chicago, Illinois are these 3 pieces of 1950’s apparatus for $18,995 OBO.
The seller says the units are all original.
These units are almost complete.
Two of these units do run.
The seller says these units where retired since the mid 70’s and these might be the last of them. You will have to contact the owner for more information if you need three FWD pieces of fire apparatus.
Motor-on,
Robert
C’mon guys – this is pretty basic stuff. FWD is the brand, aka the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company. They built the first 4wd car in the US in the early 1900s.
Thank you. I was thinking “Wow, Mr. Barn Finds, let me Google that for you…” Incidentally, FWD and Seagrave essentially merged in the 1960’s, so they technically live on in Seagrave Fire Apparatus.
i hope the seller has a lot more photos and is willing to take an offer. there were a few of these in my area when i was growing up. used for logging and road building, i think. great finds.
Yep the guys are on the money. Likely the front and first set of duals are driven.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Wheel_Drive
Google image FWD truck company for some great examples.
Thanks again, Robert. Another great truck that was made in Clintonville, Wis. FWD and Oshkosh trucks were some of the earliest makes to have all wheel drive ( I believe the Jeffrey-Nash Quad was the 1st, another Wisconsin product) While there’s no mention what powered these, they were probably gas jobs, like the Federal. Again, another beast to drive, and not sure how they would fit in today, other than a show truck. Interesting side note, FWD employed the 1st woman test driver, Luella Bates. She went on to become the 1st licensed woman truck driver in the US, in the 20’s. Pretty incredible story in itself. Check this out, could very well be one of these trucks pictured here. Very cool. http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/ENGINE_13__FWD__1000-0_D-268__BFc.jpg
The ‘faces’ on these trucks are a little spooky…especially the two without “eyes”.