- Iconic chemical fire engine of the 1920s
- Wahlers Volunteer Fire Department
- Ideal for fairs and parades
Today virtually all fire apparatus is built by professional
specialty companies, whether for use in metropolitan cities or
rural volunteer fire brigades. Increasingly, equipment is built to
a general specification, and it is sometimes possible to buy
vehicles "off the lot." Not so long ago, there were many small
regional firms building to order, usually on mass-produced truck
chassis. Sometimes tiny fire districts would assemble their own
apparatus by fitting pumps, ladders, hose, and other firefighting
equipment to available truck chassis.
The precise origins of this 1926 Chevrolet-based fire engine are
not known. A small plaque proudly announces it was "restored by Art
& Sharon Wahlers of Phoenix, AZ." The sides are lettered for the
"Wahlers Volunteer Fire Department." Built on the chassis of a
one-ton Chevrolet truck, it is a chemical engine, in which the
extinguishing fluid is produced by the chemical reaction of soda
and acid, as opposed to pumping water from a hydrant, pond, or
onboard tank. Other equipment includes a hose reel with hose, axe,
ladder, and a small fire extinguisher. Warning signals are
generated by a brass bell and a hand-crank siren. As seen, the
vehicle is suitable for parade or museum display.
The engine is Chevy's overhead-valve inline four of the period,
driving through a three-speed transmission to a heavy-duty rear
axle. Brakes operate on the rear wheels only. Perfect for an
eclectic collection, it could serve as a parade vehicle for a local
fire department.To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf19.
