Vehicle Description
American LaFrance is one of America's oldest and most widely-known
fire apparatus manufacturers. Founded in Elmira, New York as
LaFrance Manufacturing Company by Thruxton Slocum LaFrance in 1873,
the company initially built hand-powered equipment during the
horse-drawn era. In 1903, they merged with American Fire Engine
Company to become American LaFrance, and quickly adapted to the
horseless carriage era. Initially offering steam-powered vehicles,
their first petrol-powered engine arrived in 1907. American
LaFrance rapidly rose to prominence thanks to their impeccable
reputation for dependability and quality. Countless firefighters
across the country relied on their faithful American LaFrance
engines, earning the firm a loyal following and iconic status.
Early in their long and illustrious history, A.L.F. built a tiny
number of civilian road cars, rumored to be engineered with the
help of their neighbor, Simplex. Known as the "Chief's Car," they
were powerful, luxurious, and expensive, yet more likely to be
found in the carriage house of a wealthy businessman than in a
firehouse. It isn't known precisely how many were built, although
it was clear that this was merely a side project for American La
France, perhaps only to provide transport for high-ranking
executives. Today, experts believe that just two original Chief's
Cars exist, yet, despite their relative obscurity, numerous
enthusiasts found the inspiration to create unique personal
interpretations of the theme, utilizing the mighty T-head engines
and robust chassis of American LaFrance fire trucks. These
creations are as varied as the people that built them. A.L.F.
speedsters are popular among veteran car enthusiasts as they are
enormously powerful, thrilling to drive, and each is an individual
expression of the person that built it. This 1916 American LaFrance
Speedster is based on the popular Type 75 chassis. It is a superb
example of the breed; powerful, thrilling, and wonderfully suited
for road events. According to the history file, Mr. Cameron Millar
discovered this Type 75 in Nyack, New York, around 1980. He
purchased it from the then-owners and imported it to the UK. That
same year, it traded hands, and the new owners began a
comprehensive restoration and transformation into this marvelous
speedster. The chassis was stripped down and a full twelve inches
removed from the wheelbase, reportedly without welding. The
restorers retained the robust original drivetrain, 3-speed manual
gearbox, chain-driven rear axle, and brakes from the Type 75,
adding appropriately beefy hubs from an 8-Litre Bentley. They also
lowered the steering column and relocated the controls accordingly
to achieve the desired rakish lines. With the chassis sorted, the
owners entrusted Rolls-Royce specialist Graham Neale to create this
superbly detailed and evocative boat-tail speedster coachwork. In
1989, the completed A.L.F. Speedster was accepted for entry into
the VSCC, and in 1996 it partook in the club's long-running and
famous Madresfield Driving Test event. Today, it presents with a
fabulous patina that brilliantly suits its outsized character. The
well-proportioned coachwork is finished in light gray with bare
alloy wings, along with blue wheels and chassis providing a
pleasing pop of color. The cosmetics are consistent, and with a
period-appropriate quality to the finish that can be absolutely
presentable as-is, or can brought up to the next level should the
new owner so desire. The quality of the coachwork is first-rate,
feeling very robust and a good match for the car's astounding
power. Details include brass Gray & Davis lamps, Motometer, and
Brooklands-style exhaust silencer. A large lift-up tail section
incorporates the boot, spare wheel, and room for plenty of tools
and luggage for long-distance touring. Once aboard, you find a
generously sized two-passenger cockpit, trimmed in black leather
and period-appropriate bare alloy. The leather is in good order,
nicely matured from years of careful use. The instrument panel
features a mix of brass-era gauges including a Jones speedometer,
Smiths clock, as well as ancillary dials for amps, fuel pressure
and oil pressure. Brass switchgear and controls maintain the
authentic experience from behind the wheel. Of course, the
centerpiece of any American LaFrance rests under the bonnet. In
this case, it is a colossal T-head inline-six of fourteen liters.
Producing prodigious torque at low RPM, this LaFrance 'six is built
to handle the most extreme conditions. The presentation of the
engine is consistent with the rest of the car's patina, appearing
to have been enjoyed yet maintained. The mighty engine features 12V
electric starting discreetly hidden below the floor, and a cleverly
integrated 12V alternator, belt-driven off the prop shaft. The
original shaft-driven Westinghouse generator remains in place to
maintain the authentic look and feel under the massive bonnet. Road
tests have proven it to be delightful on the road, with seemingly
endless reserves of torque and a glorious bellow emanating from the
Brooklands exhaust. The sale includes an extensive history folder
with copies of the V5C registration documents and reprinted factory
parts and repair manuals. Over the years, enthusiasts have created
numerous interpretations of the American LaFrance Speedster, yet
few are as well-constructed and detailed as this. This car also has
the added benefit of the VSCC's blessing and is therefore eligible
for their numerous prestigious events. Powerful, imposing, and
impressively crafted, this magnificent American LaFrance is certain
to thrill its next keepers for years to come. Offers welcome and
trades considered
