1928 American LaFrance Open Speedster

For sale by auction on Saturday 30 November 2013 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170 or 07733290120
The American LaFrance 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
LaFrance built hand-drawn. horse-drawn and steam-powered fire
engines. The International Fire Engine Company. corporate
predecessor of American La France. built some steam power 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. American LaFrance
delivered its first motorised fire engine in 1907 and over the
years. they built thousands of fire trucks including chemical
engines. combination pumpers. aerial ladder trucks. Aero Chief
snorkel trucks. and airport crash trucks. The classical style of
the American LaFrance apparatus is easily recognised and some of
the company's 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 trucks and
other emergency vehicles.

As with all American LaFrance vehicles. this is an impressive
vehicle in all aspects. The 14½ litre. six cylinder. T-Head motor
turns over with the aid of a solid iron flywheel and has double
chain drive to the rear wheels. This particular LaFrance was being
prepared for the Peking to Paris road race; however the owner. an
engineer. had to abandon the project due to health reasons.
Benefitting from an oversized fuel tank and brakes on all four
wheels (an idea that could catch on one day) this handsome 90 year
old vehicle will require some re-commissioning. although appears to
be complete. Supplied with an instruction manual. together with a
dating certificate for registration purposes and the necessary
import documents. this is the perfect car for an enthusiast of this
outstanding marque.

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