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“The village was very proud to buy this fire engine right after the war. The first was the village of Algonac, Michigan, which is 45 miles northeast of Detroit, covers 1.4 square miles and had a population of about 2,000 in 1946. Jim and Kevin are only the second owners of this issue’s 1947 American LaFrance fire engine. In the case of Danville resident Jim Ratliff and his son, Kevin, one could also include the size of the toys. There’s an old expression that says the difference between a man and a boy is the price of his toys. Me & My Car: Disastrous press day, SEC probe ruined Tucker’s dream Me & My Car: ’89 Ram for ’51 Nash turns out to have been good deal Me & My Car: ’47 Cadillac in Walnut Creek best one GM never built In its place, we’re running some of Dave’s favorite past columns. Offered through RM Auctions' Hershey happening in 2014, the 1916 Speedster would garner a sale price of $118,250.Danville family bought 1947 American LaFrance fire engineĮditor’s note: David Krumboltz’s regular column is on hiatus until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Displaying a family crest on the cylindrical fuel tank and featuring other intriguing details like the wood dashboard, large pipe exhausts, a moto-meter and plated headlights, the American LaFrance Speedster would be as elegant as it is imposing. However, this does not diminish, or take away from, the beautiful brown leather seat and cream finish with red pinstripes. Sadly, the early history of this particular example is relatively unknown.
#AMERICAN LAFRANCE ELMIRA NY MANUAL#
Utilizing a three-speed manual transmission and a chain-drive rear axle the Speedster was, in a word, fast.
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Sporting engine numbered 4287, the Speedster would be built in 1916 at the American LaFrance facility in Elmira. T-head six-cylinder engine producing a whopping 100bhp, the pilot of an American LaFrance Speedster had a weapon in which few could contend. One of the most powerful cars of its day, the American LaFrance Speedster was nothing short of remarkable. This would attract the attention of many early gentleman racers. However, to have such capabilities the engine would have to be massive to sustain a reliable vehicle. However, American LaFrance would have an advantage that many would come to recognize.īuilding equipment capable of fighting fires meant a focus on larger vehicles with a great deal of capability. The company would begin to invest in the building of automobiles and it would start out around 1908 with some roadster-style passenger cars. But, what if one could manage to harness such a tremendous blaze? It would be entirely likely the resulting automobile would be nothing short of wild. The company was already involved in the production of automobiles, just big apparatuses intended for fighting fires. A natural progression from this would be the construction and assembly of automobiles. This would lead the company into building engine-driven fire equipment.
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However, it wouldn't be long before the benefits of the new engine would become apparent. American LaFrance would keep an eye on the new engine while it continued to produce its steam, horse-drawn and hand-powered fire equipment. At this time, the internal combustion engine was gaining popularity and usefulness within a number of industries. The success of the company would lead to the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company being established in Elmira, New York in 1903. Then, in the early 20th century, the company would be building fire equipment utilizing steam for its power. In an industry where response and speed are of utmost importance it would be little surprise their automobiles would be fire-breathers.Īmerican LaFrance would start out as LaFrance Manufacturing Company and would focus on building and selling hand-powered fire equipment. From hand-drawn to horse and steam-powered fire engines, American LaFrance would become one of the oldest manufacturers in the United States building equipment for the fighting of fires. Sold for $118,250 at 2014 RM Auctions - Hershey.Įstablished in Elmira, New York around 1873, the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company would soon become a leader in the industry building all types of fire engines.