1917 American LaFrance Type 12 Two-Seat Tourer

For sale by auction on Saturday 30 August 2014 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
The
American La France Fire Engine Company is one of the oldest fire
apparatus manufacturers with roots that go back to approximately
1832. The company that went on to become American La France built
hand-drawn. horse-drawn and steam-powered fire engines. The
International Fire Engine Company. corporate predecessor of
American La France. built some steam powered fire engines between
1903 and 1907. Apparatus built by International included horse
drawn steamers. hose wagons. and hook and ladders to chemical
engines. water towers and combinations. The company has recently
undergone a major rebirth and is once again producing custom fire
trucks and other emergency vehicles.

This 1917. American La France Type 12 was supplied new as the
Fire Chiefs truck to Fergus Falls Fire Department. Minnesota. USA. br/>the owner when doing his research obtained an original photograph
showing the truck on its first day of duty.

Imported to the
UK in 1991 as a restoration project. it was purchased by the vendor
in 1997 and over the next two years set about a ground up
restoration preparing the car as a Simplex rally special for long
distance rallies. During the rebuild. the 14. 5 litre. straight six
engine was stripped down and rebuilt including fitting oil rings to
the pistons which has improved oil consumption. the engine is
believed to generate around 135 bhp and runs off a Schebler
carburettor. The truck is fitted with an electric starter and all
the electrics run on a standard 12 volt system with dual ignition
and the offside plugs being magneto driven and the nearside from a
coil through a distributor giving reliability and good backup. The
truck is fitted with a period looking two seat touring body with a
40 gallon fuel tank mounted on top giving a 400 mile range and a
large storage compartment to the rear in front of the twin mounted
spare wheels. The bronze casted. three speed gearbox and the
gearing through the chain sprockets means this La France is happy
cruising at 50 mph in top gear with the engine running just over
tick over. Finished in maroon with maroon artillery wheels and
black seats. this is supplied with a V 5 C registration document. a
1922 maintenance handbook and a file containing old Mo T test
certificates and correspondence relating to the history of this
Fire Truck. Over the years of his ownership. the vendor has fully
maintained it and made it ready to go on any rally in the World
such as the Peking to Paris or any long distance endurance
events.

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