American LaFrance began building fire apparatus in the 1830s and continued until their demise in 2014. This truck listed on eBay in Yakama, Washington appears to be a Type 75, produced from 1915 to 1927 and one of the most popular models built by American LaFrance. Bidding is currently over $8,000 with no reserve. Thanks goes to Matt W for tipping us off to this one!
The mechanical restoration appears to have been completed and it’s ready for all the bells and whistles that will make it a fire truck. This was likely a pumper truck with a 750 GPM pump. By 1920 automobiles had pneumatic tires, but most heavy-duty trucks still used solid rubber tires. Most fire departments eventually converted theirs over, but this one somehow kept its original solid tires!
These six-cylinder engines produced about 75 HP and powered the water pump as well as drove the truck. Someone has put a lot of work and money to complete this much of the restoration. It will take a lot more of both to finish it, but hopefully, this piece of history can be saved. It should be an encouraging starting point for the new owner to be able to actually drive it the way it is. Hopefully, most of the parts are included and are restorable. This firetruck would be a great addition to any collection.
Great advertising tool for the right busines or fraternity 👍
Hope the 10% missing parts don’t include fenders, headlights, etc. Could be tough to replace those parts.
Lacking only a few misc. parts plus a dalmation dog and a half dozen or so stout, hardy, and handlebar mustachioed firemen all sporting red suspenders and black rubber boots.
Oh Man ! I have wanted a chain driven speedster since I first saw one when I was wee , this is a perfect start to one get rid of the hard tires and replace with air tires move the cowl back 3 ft extend the hood to hold the fuel tank drop the seat down to the frame I want this Sooo bad .
Perfect candidate for a new Bestione.
http://www.tomstrongman.com/ClassicCars/LaBestioni/Index.htm
Where’s Jay Leno when you need him? Now that’s one if it ran and was cleaned up I’d love to have in a parade!
Will make a great Speedster! More ala Gary Wales than Leno though. I suspect the world has enough preserved Fire Trucks – let’s make a chain drive Hot Rod!!
Sold a Simplex replica on one of these chassis and engine out of a museum in France. Was gorgeous!
Semi-Related: http://nbc24.com/news/local/wauseon-welcomes-home-1951-gmc-firetruck
Museum
Yea, this should be rat-rodded! NOT!!!!
I read, this was strictly a “pump on wheels”. Like from hydrants or open water to the fire. I think someone will step up to the plate for this. A small town in the Catskills I was staying at, the volunteer firefighters restored an old engine. It was beautiful and they were very proud of it.
http://aemstatic-ww2.azureedge.net/content/dam/fa/gallery/en/articles/2016/02/olive-ny-fire-department-begins-with-used-1936-usa-holabird-pumper/FA022216-Heal1.jpg.scale.medium.jpg
Sold for $17,200.