While every American LaFrance fire apparatus was built with exceptional quality and attention to detail, not all were assembled wholly in-house from the company’s own components. In the case of the vehicle offered here, a common Model T Ford was purchased from a dealer and modified for fire service. Reportedly over 900 Model Ts were rebuilt in this manner by the American LaFrance factory and their offices across the country, with this example having been constructed by a branch in San Francisco, California, as a chemical car with, unusually, dual chemical tanks. It was an ideal piece for a small municipality that may not have had either the funds or the need for a massive chain-driven, T-head truck built from scratch in Elmira, New York—but still wanted to protect their citizens.

Unfortunately the delivery location of this American LaFrance-Ford, while likely on the West Coast, is not known. It was acquired by the American LaFrance Corporate Collection some years ago and professionally restored under their auspices by Jim Cox’s Sussex Motor and Coach Works of Matamoras, Pennsylvania. Displayed as part of the collection since, it would require some service prior to road use. Yet it is still in excellent overall cosmetic condition aside from very minor signs of age, and is especially well-detailed, with correct accessories, lighting, and running and tail boards, all in good condition. The body is beautifully finished, with high-quality decoration throughout.

Most any enthusiast would (or should!) desire to charge through town in their very own fire truch, but not everyone’s collection building can accommodate a full-sized apparatus. The same traits that made this “ALF-Ford” so appealing when new—manageable size with good quality—are the same that make it such a winning combination today. It has wonderful charm and a quality, obviously well-researched restoration to recommend it into the next owner’s hands.