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Lost its Flame: 1950 Karrier Fire Truck

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Karrier Motors has a long and interesting history that began in 1908. The company was purchased by several companies beginning with Rootes in 1934 and eventually owned by Chrysler Europe in 1970 then Puegot and Renauly after Chrysler left Europe. This is not what you expect to see when you think of an airport firetruck. It might look odd to see a fire truck based on a delivery van, but this configuration was a common vehicle for fire protection at small airports. This one is in Flimwell, Kent in the United Kingdom and listed on eBay in the UK. It’s listed for £3,200 or about $3,900 at current exchange rates. It is said to be almost complete. The engines turns but does not run. Thank you Ricky M for this interesting find!

restored

This is sort of what it would look like restored. There are major differences, but it’s similar.

inside

This glimpse of the inside looks hopeful, but messy.

rear

The back looks less like a bread truck and more like a fire truck.

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It has one shiny bell left. What could one do with this old fire truck? Could it possibly be converted into a food truck? Perhaps a combination food truck and mobile car wash? It’s surprising this wasn’t scrapped long ago, but what do you think will happen to it now? It does have an interesting retro look.

Comments

  1. Avatar Bobsmyuncle

    The mobile car wash idea seems great on the surface, but the inefficiency of running a truck engine and tranny (PTO), and the pump itself both in fuel and maintenance costs would certainly upset your accountant.

    Not to mention, I wouldn’t use the rust and oil contaminated water on MY cars!

    That said, this likely has a smaller engine, which would help, though parts availability and cost might be a hindrance.

    If your community would allow you to hook up to the hydrants you could run off hydrant pressure which would solve a lot of trouble.

    Cool truck regardless!

    Like 0
    • Avatar David Frank Member

      Hmmmmm, I guess I should have put “LOL” after my car wash joke. LOL! Perhaps converting it to a Thai or Mexican food truck serving spicy foods. The fire truck theme could work there.uh, LOL!

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      • Avatar Bobsmyuncle

        That suggestion inevitably comes up for every firetruck that’s listed, along with mobile power spraying.

        The car in your avatar, is that a 220?

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  2. Avatar JW

    Well I can only think of one good use for this fire truck but it has some political overtones and anti-violence purpose so I better just keep it to myself. Cool truck, maybe a fire fighters museum could restore it for show.

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  3. Avatar Luki

    I’ve seen rusty Yugos with more potential.

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  4. Avatar Mark S

    I’ve got nothing, it’s a fire truck purpose built and now all used up. There is just no practical use for this truck. Maybe it could be stripped to the rolling chassie and drive line and a custom boat tail roadster could be Frankensteined together with a red paint job and gold pin striping.

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  5. Avatar Mark-A

    *Peugeot & Renault 😊

    Like 0

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