Vehicle Description
Founded in 1873 by Thruxton Slocum LaFrance in Elmira, New York as
the LaFrance Manufacturing Company, American LaFrance remains one
of the oldest and most respected names in American fire apparatus
manufacturing. Beginning with hand-powered firefighting equipment
during the horse-drawn era, LaFrance Manufacturing merged with the
American Fire Engine Company to become American LaFrance in 1903
and the company was among the first to adapt to horseless
propulsion using steam engines, which proved cumbersome and were
replaced by internal-combustion power by 1907. Quickly rising to
prominence in the fire-apparatus industry, American LaFrance built
a strong and enduring reputation for dependability and quality
through the cessation of operations in 2014. Much of the American
LaFrance success story is directly attributable to the continuous
development of faster, more powerful and capable fire trucks, more
efficient pumpers, and increasingly specialized firefighting
equipment. During the mid-1930s, American LaFrance introduced one
of its finest model lines, the revolutionary Series 400 "Senior,"
dubbed the Metropolitan. Engineering was first-class, as expected,
with highlights including a 180-inch wheelbase chassis and 754
cubic-inch, overhead-cam V-12 engine rated at 250 horsepower with
dual ignition. The powerful American LaFrance V-12 powerplant made
the Series 400 fire trucks ideal as pumpers, with the option of a
1250- or 1500-GPM water pump mounted inline between the engine and
cowl. Early Series 400 models still relied on chain drive, but
shaft drive was progressively phased-in during the relatively short
production run spanning 1935 to 1939. As the flagship of American
LaFrance's model lineup, Series 400 was also the most expensive.
While built for severe duty, the Series 400 Metropolitans were also
quite beautiful with long, tapered hoods, sweeping skirted fenders,
and impeccable proportions. In fact, the Series 400 is considered
the first fire engine with intentionally styled bodywork, endowed
with much of the presence of contemporary luxury cars from top
American marques including Duesenberg, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow.
According to a listing compiled by marque expert John Kihlstrum
during the 1980s, a total of 141 Series 400 Metropolitans were
produced, including Number 7811, this wonderful example from 1937.
Rarer still as one of just 21 Model 412-CB PWT examples produced,
7811 was equipped new with a 1,250-GPM centrifugal pump and
150-gallon water tank. Following assembly and pre-delivery tests
carried out at ALF's Elmira, New York factory on December 7, 1937,
7811 arrived by railroad box car at its El Centro, California
destination, priced new at $13,988.15. The formal acceptance test
was conducted by the Board of Fire Underwriters of the Pacific,
with A.D. Quinn, delivery engineer for American LaFrance, at the
controls. According to the report following the acceptance test,
the water pump of 7811, rated at 1,250 GPM, actually delivered
1,418 GPM at full throttle. However, the underwriters observed
incorrect readings from the pump discharge gauges and tachometer,
as well as the lack of a second set of batteries, issues that were
soon rectified by American LaFrance. At 7:30 P.M. on December 31,
1937, the new engine was assigned Number 4 and placed into service
at Station 1, 565 State Street, El Centro. Intended for one-man
operation, Engine 4 was fitted with a "squirrel tail" suction hose.
For the next 25 years, Engine 4 served as the station's "first out"
pumper until it was working a large hotel fire on January 21, 1962,
when the connecting rod for the Number 2 cylinder pierced the
cylinder block; however, the engine continued to run on the
remaining 11 cylinders until an oil-vapor fire forced its shutdown.
About a year later, a correct used engine was installed, and No. 4
was placed into reserve service. During its nearly 25 years of
"first out" service, Engine 4 received several updates, including
removal of the water tank and hose reel and replacement of the
running boards with diamond plate. In 1969, the water pump was
rebuilt, and the hose-bed was divided into three sections with
increased hose capacity. Engine 4 continued to soldier on, with the
engine rebuilt. The end finally came in July 1978 when the radiator
was removed for cleaning and the upper cast-iron tank was broken,
with replacements unavailable and the repair costs deemed
prohibitive. While left to the elements, the engine was rescued by
Phillip N. "Norm" Heil, a retired El Centro firefighter, who knew
its history intimately. Following its purchase on December 1, 1982,
Mr. Heil embarked on an extensive "body-off" cosmetic restoration,
returning the mighty engine to its former glory. Loss of storage
space forced the sale of 7811 in 1984 and eventually, it was sold
on to a new owner in Grants Pass, Oregon. While it was no longer
his property, Mr. Heil kept a close watch over his beloved Engine
4, confirmed by a 2002-dated letter on file to the owner from
Oregon. As offered, this highly engaging 1937 American LaFrance
Model 412-CB PWT is a wonderful collector find. It continues to
present very well from the detailed 1980s restoration, including
shiny and consistent paint, good chrome and brightwork, gold leaf
El Centro Fire Department graphics, and an array of authentic
fire-fighting apparatus. New running-board rubbers and fine details
provide appropriate finishing touches. Documentation is
outstanding, including the factory build records, original factory
and acceptance test sheets, a historical narrative written by Mr.
Heil, correspondence, and other supporting documentation. Proudly
finished in its original El Centro Engine #4 livery, this
exceedingly rare vintage fire engine is one of the most
sought-after vehicles of its kind with the engineering prowess of
the American LaFrance company in full abundance. As such, it is
ready to show, enjoy, and appreciate. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7255-1937-american-lafrance-model-412-cb-pwt-firetruck/
