Small towns and remote or budget-minded facilities that needed mobile firefighting capabilities in the late ’50s may have considered this 1958 Willys Howe Commando Fire Truck, which could be equipped for a variety of firefighting configurations. This specimen in Marion, South Carolina, comes to market right here on Barn Finds Classifieds, with an asking price of $6,495. The sturdy-looking Willys “ran when parked,” hasn’t been started recently, and comes in “as is” condition.

Howe Fire Apparatus Co. began making horse-drawn firefighting rigs in 1872, first in Ohio, then in Anderson, Indiana. Lighter and smaller than more common trucks, this Willys-based unit offered advantages in rugged terrain and narrow roads, including Yellowstone, according to the National Park Service. Nothing says “early 4×4” like three or more unmarked levers sprouting from the drivetrain tunnel, detailed by OldWillysForum as the conventional transmission gear selector, the transfer case (4WD or 2WD), and one for High / Low range.

While some of these Howe-modified trucks were fully outfitted as a station’s only engine, this one appears to have served a more auxiliary function, perhaps as a hose truck supporting brush fires. Its history escaped the listing, but it would be fascinating to investigate. One such unit (see below) serviced the campus of a State Hospital, and Fire.Fandom reports that Howe found favor with smaller communities and volunteer departments, presumably because of its lower price point compared to larger rigs. My Grandfather co-founded Glade Volunteer Fire Department in the ’50s and took great pride in procuring a fine used American LaFrance engine at a community-friendly price.

The Willys Super Hurricane inline six made around 100 HP and about 200 lb-ft of torque at low RPM, enough to get you into the flames at a prudent pace, somewhat shy of autobahn speed. An oversized horn announced your arrival in advance.

Congratulations to the owner of this 1958 Willys Howe Commando, representing these interesting little flame fighters well with its front-mounted pump and polished equipment. You can almost hear the squeals of parade-squatting youngsters going wide-eyed at this Willys’ bells, whistles, horns, hoses, and chrome. Thanks to Tony De Seta for the picture. We’d love to see our feature truck become a shiny crowd-pleaser as well. The seller says its pump (not installed and not pictured) was rebuilt “about six years ago,” and we hope someone returns the diminutive slice of fire-fighting history to full glory. What’s your top dollar on this solid, entry-level firefighter?