There is no denying the outsized shadow that Ford's humble little
Model T cast on our society. Produced at a furious pace at
factories from Detroit to Argentina, to Australia, the Model T did
so much more than bring motorized transportation for the masses -
it was a versatile, adaptable, seemingly universal machine finding
homes on farms, in factories, and countless commercial roles. The
T's affordability not only put private citizens on wheels, but it
did the same for municipalities and importantly - fire
departments.
With each year of Model T production, Ford offered a full range of
factory body styles, but always with the option of a bare chassis
for commercial buyers. Fire apparatus manufacturers like American
LaFrance and others quickly developed options to outfit the T (and
its heavy-duty TT counterpart) for firefighting duty. The Ford's
low cost of entry was particularly appealing to small-town
departments with modest budgets, many of which were still relying
on horse-drawn apparatus when our featured example was built.
This marvelous 1915 Model T is an exquisitely restored example of
an early T fire truck, equipped for 'fast attack' duty with an
American LaFrance chemical tank body and short-wheelbase chassis.
This truck wears an older, beautifully preserved restoration with
extraordinary detail. Finished in the requisite bright red, this T
is adorned with numerous period accessories and equipment. The
front end is standard early T, with a brass radiator and flowing
front fenders. The cowl is flanked by dual lamps, and topped with a
hand-crank siren, giant search lamp, and a brass bell. The running
boards carry highly polished brass Maddock extinguishers and a
super cool foot-operated bell. Behind the twin bucket seats sits
the wire hose basket, a chemical tank, lanterns, and a ladder rack
- carrying a period correct wooden ladder, of course. From stem to
stern, the jewel-like details fascinate, with seemingly more to
find with every pass around this wonderful truck.
An occasional challenge of collecting historic fire trucks is the
space the larger models require - but with this jewel of a Model T,
there's little such concern. Modest in size, yet big in
personality, this lovingly restored ALF Model T will undoubtedly
capture the imagination of all those who encounter it.
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