Vehicle Description
While best-known as one of America's longest-running manufacturers
of firefighting apparatus from inception during the 1800s, American
LaFrance (ALF) produced a small run of large and powerful passenger
cars from about 1907 to 1914, based upon chassis supplied by the
nearby Crane-Simplex automobile factory. According to the Standard
Catalog of American Cars: 1805-1942, these mighty American
LaFrance-built motorcars were commonly known around the company's
workshops as "chiefs cars," quite likely internal slang for
vehicles manufactured for the use of American LaFrance senior
management. As few as two of these original ALF automobiles are
known remaining in existence today. Total production is believed to
have reached about 22 examples, plus several so-called Speedsters,
that inspired a number of retroactive builds over the intervening
decades, based on original American LaFrance fire-engine chassis
and mechanical components. Among the builders of such vehicles, the
choice of American LaFrance chassis produced during the 1900s-1910s
is entirely logical, given their robust - perhaps more accurately
overbuilt - mechanicals, heavy-duty chain-type drivetrains, and
visually awesome T-head engines displacing up to 14 liters.
Elemental bodywork and period accessories enhance their commanding
presence, conjuring vivid images of early racers at fearsome speeds
on treacherous early dirt tracks, behind the wheel of early sports
and racing cars including the Chadwick Great Six, Mercer Type 35
Raceabout, Stutz Bearcat, and 75hp 1915 Simplex - one of the last
chain-driven cars produced in America. Closely replicating a Mercer
Type 35 Raceabout with its great proportions, adventurous bodywork
and yellow-and-black livery, this captivating 1916 American
LaFrance-based Speedster carries Chassis Number 1221 with power
delivered by a 9.4 liter 6 cylinder T-head engine, numbered 206.
Chassis 1221 was delivered new on July 15, 1916 to the Omaha,
Nebraska fire department. After it had completed its fire service,
the car was reimagined as the fabulous Speedster you see today. An
older restoration and build that continues to present handsomely,
this Speedster's paint remains in very good condition, complemented
by the body-color frame and suspension, bold black accents, and
very good leather upholstery. Desirable period accents are many,
including the large Gray & Davis-scripted nickel headlamps, a rare
American LaFrance Moto-Meter atop the radiator, yellow
large-diameter spoked wheels, twin spare tires to the rear, and
single rear light with Saxon Mfg. Co. scripting. Other highlights
include the wood-rimmed steering wheel, polished nickel steering
column, shift and brake levers, body-color rear brakes, and
large-capacity drum-type fuel tank with twin fillers. Over the
years, enthusiasts have created numerous interpretations of the
American LaFrance Speedster, yet few are as well-constructed and
detailed as this. Guaranteed to draw admirers and onlookers
wherever it goes, this fabulous 1916 American LaFrance Speedster
celebrates the enduring legacy of one of the longest-running and
most-respected manufacturers of fire apparatus and America's
glorious sporting tradition of the early 20th Century. 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 For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7587-1916-american-lafrance-speedster/
