Most of the classics featured at Barn Finds fit neatly into a specific category. We see muscle cars, pony cars, sports cars, exotics, and station wagons. However, pigeon-holing this 1950s Seagrave Fire Truck is impossible. It is undoubtedly a truck and a custom build, but it also qualifies as an oddball. It is an eye-catcher but could become a money-spinner for its new owner. If you fancy a career change, this Seagrave could represent your path to an entirely different life. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting a classic that can’t help but draw crowds.
Seagrave became a player in the fire appliance industry in 1881. The company remains in operation, producing some of the most iconic vehicles designed to battle blazes. This 1950s example retains its beautiful Red paint and exterior hardware but rides on a custom frame. Its presentation is all you might expect from a vehicle of this caliber. The paint is spotless, and the gauges and fittings sparkle. Those enormous 66″ Tera tires announce that this classic means business and can climb over almost anything that gets in its way. Transporting this beast to shows could be challenging, but the seller includes a set of smaller wheels that allow it onto a trailer or loader. This isn’t a competition-bred vehicle but is designed to provide a more engaging experience for enthusiasts. That explains the retractable steps located on the Truck’s rear.
Monster Truck racing is a spectator sport, but this Seagrave is a ride vehicle. The rear ladders provide access to the area traditionally occupied by pumps and hoses, with seating for eighteen people. Safety is a prime consideration, with each seat fitted with a seatbelt and the builder installing rollover protection in case things go wrong. The seller says that each occupant pays $15 for what is undoubtedly a unique experience. Multiplying that figure by the load capacity makes it easy to see how this classic generates an income for its owner.
Lurking below the Seagrave body is a 366ci Chevrolet V8, hooked to a manual transmission and a transfer case feeding the power to all wheels. Outright speed isn’t the aim of the exercise, with the driver utilizing the engine’s torque to climb over immovable objects. The Seagrave is longer than most typical Monster Trucks, so four-wheel steering assists with maneuverability. Because it is primarily designed for rides, the drivetrain isn’t subjected to the same stress levels experienced by racing machines. Therefore, maintenance should be straightforward, and potential mechanical failures should be minimized. The V8 is an excellent way to power this Truck, but it has a party piece that makes a bold visual statement.
Are they troubled by tailgaters? That wouldn’t be a problem with this Seagrave. Poking out between the ladders is a Westinghouse J34 jet engine that produces 3,000 lbs of thrust. It makes this beast perfect for Jet Car shows, and its ability to transform cars into toast adds to its attraction at Monster Truck rallies and other events where organizers require a drawcard. The seller confirms that the engine performs perfectly. All the new owner needs to do is light the touch-paper, and this Truck will automatically draw crowds of children, both big and small!
The seller listed this 1950s Seagrave Monster Truck here on Facebook Marketplace in Sebring, Florida. They set their price at $70,000, which isn’t cheap. However, recreating this beast for that sum would be almost impossible, making the figure seem fair. They provide details on the income it currently generates, suggesting that this Truck wouldn’t take long to pay for itself. It won’t make the buyer rich, but it could be ideal for somebody sick of a “9 to 5” lifestyle. Are you tempted?
Giving rides? Can you imagine the liability on something like this? Monster trucks are pretty cool, and this is no exception, however, are inherently dangerous and prone to rolling over, it’s part of the attraction and the jet engine, well, that seals the deal. Highly ironic this vehicle was to fight fires, not burn down things, ( what’s he toasting, an import? Nice,,) This is just another example of more must be better. As if the monster truck wasn’t enough, slap a jet engine on. I still say, you’d be out of your mind to go on a ride on this thing.
It’s not like the driver is going to jump anything. It’s not built for competition. The driver would give rides at very low speeds, so the chance of tipping isn’t there. Having said that, yes, perhaps a person could fall boarding or exiting this beast, and thanks to lawyers, a big liability. The jet engine is just over the top, and I’d never use that aspect of it. Looks great though.
Yes that rollcage does not look safe at all, one guys head is way over it, just burn the cars, add a pumper, then put out the fire, great for Touch a Truck for kids, or slow drives around the park.
Ridiculous.
Awesome! That’s a Seagrave K model fire engine body, I think from the 60’s, not 50’s….
Certainly mid 60’s at the earliest
My youngest son has a 2 section ranch in NEB. wish I had the dough for us to blast around on this.
Ummm hahahahaha! I’m sorry but why??? Then again it is different!
I would imagine that 366 ci is doing all it can to get those tires rolling much less catching any air.
Some Fire Department, with lots of money to spend on foolishness, to lure in crowds, on Parade Day, should scarf that up and promote it at a crowd getter, and use it just for ALL the parades they have each year. Like Branson, Mo
Looks like a great parade truck for homecoming queen. Where on green acres would you park something like this in aircraft hanger?
Hey,. Im a retired/disabled firefighter in NJ. I live at the NJ Firemans Home. Where they would love this to ride in. We are on 79 acres. So if you have no takers and what a tax deduction think about us. We will put it to good use. But, there is a business on The Wildwood NJ boardwalk that does that type of rides. Maybe they would be interested!!
Wow!
That fire truck belongs in Winchester Virginia!! It could be the star of the Apple Blossom festival’s Fireman’s parade on Friday evening, and serve again in the feature parade on Saturday!!!
Probably should be the last one in the parade considering the jet blast.
(Maybe they could light the fireworks that follow the Fireman’s Parade every year.)
It takes all kinds doesn’t it… I sort of get it until the $15.00 for a ride part came up. The stairs on the back look too sketchy for the public, a foot in the wrong place, ouch. It would seem that a promoter would hire this on a daily basis with free rides. The noise, heat, dust and people contact would drive me nuts, but for the right person this is probably a viable proposition and a pretty low entry price. Clearly not a one 1 person operation and certainly requires a Semi to pull it and the tires to shows. I don’t see it as a standalone business without some connection to a larger outdoor venue presentation. A serious out of the box builder!!!