1973 American LaFrance 1000-Series Fire Truck

Bid to $14,100 on 8/3/20

1973 American LaFrance 1000-Series Fire Truck

This 1973 American LaFrance 1000-Series pumper truck was purchased new by the Concord, North Carolina Fire Department, where it saw active service with Engine Company #3 for 19 years before being placed on reserve duty. The truck was then used by the Concord High School student fire academy for four years before being returned to the Fire Department, and was subsequently purchased by the seller through a surplus auction in 2014. The body wears an older repaint in red and white, and power is from a two-stroke 568ci Detroit Diesel V8 backed by a Spicer five-speed manual transmission. Firefighting equipment includes a working 1,000 gallon-per-minute pump, a deluge gun, lights and horns, an Onan generator, and a collection of ladders and hoses. The seller is a former member of the Florida Antique Bucket Brigade and the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America, and had transmission and differential rebuilds, refurbishment the power steering ram and wheel bearings, and installation of an updated starter, alternator, and cooling fan performed in addition to other work. This ALF pumper is offered with service receipts, historical paperwork, magazine articles, additional firefighting equipment, and a clean Florida title in the seller’s name.

The cab is configured with an enclosed front section and an open rear, and the truck wears a repaint in white over red that was reportedly applied after it ran into a ditch while responding to a call in the 1980s. Gold engine-turned Fire Department insignia accent the front and sides. The seller notes rust along the edges of the cab roof. An article in Vintage Fire Truck featuring the vehicle can be seen here.

A walk-around video is provided above. Stock split rims have been replaced by six contemporary tubeless wheels, which were mounted with Kelly KMH Armorsteel tires in 2017. New rear wheel bearings and seals were fitted under current ownership, and drum brakes are actuated by compressed air. The seller states that approximate dimensions are 26′ long, 8′ wide, and 10′ high, with a dry weight of approximately 20,000lbs.

The truck retains a 300-gallon internal water tank and a two-stage American LaFrance 1,000-gpm pump, which supplies five discharges and a deck-mounted deluge gun. Additional equipment includes fire extinguishers, a 10-foot roof ladder, an attic ladder, a 24-foot extension ladder, hard and soft hoses, nozzles, and an Onan generator in need of service, as well as horns, lights, and electronic and mechanical sirens. Video demonstrations of the rear booster line and siren have been provided by the seller.

The enclosed forward cab contains a driver’s seat and a two-place bench. Diamond-plate lines the floors, and the seller has added sound insulation on the rear firewall. Equipment includes a Midland CB radio, Federal Interceptor siren controls, a backup camera linked to an LCD monitor, and an emergency shutdown handle as well as gauges such as a 4,000-rpm tachometer, an 80-mph speedometer, and a six-digit odometer showing 46k miles. Approximately 2k miles have been driven under current ownership.

Rear-facing jump seats are positioned adjacent to the diamond-plate engine doghouse.

The two-stroke 568ci Detroit Diesel 8V71N V8 produced an estimated 350 horsepower when new, with 866 lb-ft of torque available from 1,600 rpm. Recent mechanical service included installation of a composite radiator fan, an upgraded alternator, and a gear-drive starter under current ownership. Oil leaks are noted under the engine.The seller states that top speed is governor-limited to approximately 70mph, and states that cruising speeds of 60-65mph are attainable.

The floor-shifted Spicer five-speed manual transmission features a low first gear and was rebuilt with new synchros and bearings in 2014 and recently received a new clutch, while the rear axle was overhauled with a taller final drive ratio in 2017. The power steering system was refurbished, the fuel and air filters replaced, and driveline fluid changes carried out while with the seller.

Service receipts from the seller’s ownership are included in the sale along with historical paperwork, memorabilia, a Detroit Diesel service manual, and articles featuring the truck. Ride-along and driving videos are provided below.

Photo Gallery

Auction Result

High Bid	USD $14,100 (Reserve Not Met)
Auction Ended	August 3, 2020 at 1:16PM PT
Bids	24

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