American LaFrance is an emergency vehicle manufacturer, currently based in South Carolina, focusing primarily on fire engines and rescue vehicles. The company is one of the oldest fire apparatus manufacturers in America with roots that go back to approximately 1832. The International Fire Engine Company, corporate predecessor of American LaFrance, built some steam power fire engines between 1903 and 1907. Apparatus built included horse drawn steamers, hose wagons, hook & ladders to chemical engines, water towers and combinations. The American LaFrance Fire Engine Company was formed in 1903 with corporate offices and manufacturing plant located in New York. It also operated a Canadian plant in Toronto where it sold apparatus under the name LaFrance-Foamite until 1971. Over the years, American LaFrance built many fire trucks including chemical engines, combination pumpers, aerial ladder trucks and airport emergency vehicles. The classical style of the American LaFrance apparatus is easily recognized; some of the innovations led to changes in the industry, most notably the forward style cab. The company has recently undergone a major rebirth and is once again producing custom fire plant and other emergency vehicles. Offered for sale is a 1932 American LaFrance articulated, twin rear wheel tractor unit; this is a rare survivor of the double chain drive before the company changed over to the more conventional 'shaft' drive. Fitted with a V12 petrol engine and displacing 754 cubic inches, it produces an impressive 240 horsepower. Believed to have been owned by a number of tyre companies and having been dry stored for a number of years, the LaFrance appears to be in original condition and taking into account its age, all looks to be quite sound and solid. Unfortunately there are no documents with the vehicle, although some dating details will be supplied together with a spare radiator and various other parts to make the truck as complete as is realistically possible. Surely an enthusiast will take this opportunity to own a very rare American LaFrance and restore her to her former glory.
American LaFrance is an emergency vehicle manufacturer, currently based in South Carolina, focusing primarily on fire engines and rescue vehicles. The company is one of the oldest fire apparatus manufacturers in America with roots that go back to approximately 1832. The International Fire Engine Company, corporate predecessor of American LaFrance, built some steam power fire engines between 1903 and 1907. Apparatus built included horse drawn steamers, hose wagons, hook & ladders to chemical engines, water towers and combinations. The American LaFrance Fire Engine Company was formed in 1903 with corporate offices and manufacturing plant located in New York. It also operated a Canadian plant in Toronto where it sold apparatus under the name LaFrance-Foamite until 1971. Over the years, American LaFrance built many fire trucks including chemical engines, combination pumpers, aerial ladder trucks and airport emergency vehicles. The classical style of the American LaFrance apparatus is easily recognized; some of the innovations led to changes in the industry, most notably the forward style cab. The company has recently undergone a major rebirth and is once again producing custom fire plant and other emergency vehicles. Offered for sale is a 1932 American LaFrance articulated, twin rear wheel tractor unit; this is a rare survivor of the double chain drive before the company changed over to the more conventional 'shaft' drive. Fitted with a V12 petrol engine and displacing 754 cubic inches, it produces an impressive 240 horsepower. Believed to have been owned by a number of tyre companies and having been dry stored for a number of years, the LaFrance appears to be in original condition and taking into account its age, all looks to be quite sound and solid. Unfortunately there are no documents with the vehicle, although some dating details will be supplied together with a spare radiator and various other parts to make the truck as complete as is realistically possible. Surely an enthusiast will take this opportunity to own a very rare American LaFrance and restore her to her former glory.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
