Referred to by the American LaFrance restorer and historian Hal Fillinger as “one of the finest fire engine designs produced during the steam age,” the American LaFrance Metropolitan was produced in a variety of sizes until 1917. Its continued production well into the gasoline-powered, internal-combustion era of fire equipment reflects both traditionally minded departments, still with horses to put to use, and the popularity of the machine with the men who operated it and knew its dependability firsthand. One imagines that there was also still a bit of romanticism involved, as well; with its various sounds and smells announcing its arrival, a steam fire engine was an exciting machine to behold in action, something that is still very true today.

The Metropolitan offered here is a smaller “third-size” model—as always, when discussing steam fire apparatus, “smaller” was relative, as the delivered engine weighed some 6,800 pounds and stood at essentially stagecoach height. One can easily imagine registered number 3374 looming over the buggies and Model Ts in the Shenandoah Valley city of Harrisonburg, Virginia, to which it was first delivered. Like many fire companies, Harrisonburg developed a strong faithfulness to American LaFrance and would continuously employ their trucks for decades. Their Metropolitan was typically drawn by two horses, but was also equipped to be hand-drawn if necessary, something that must have been an especially impressive thing to watch.

Like many of the apparatus in the American LaFrance Corporate Collection, the Harrisonburg Metropolitan was chosen as an outstanding example of its model, then restored by the best craftsman available for the task. In this instance, as with several others in the collection, that was Andy Swift of Firefly Restorations in Hope, Maine, perhaps this era’s foremost restorer of vintage fire equipment, known for his dedication to history and attention to detail.

The Metropolitan was returned to its original color scheme and livery, including 23k gold leaf decoration and elaborate scroll work, applied by master decorator Ken Soderbeck; correct leather seat upholstery in the proper pattern; and nickel plating as-original. Further it was equipped with correct fire-fighting and steam engine accessories, including the oilers, oil cans, nozzles, hoses, and bell! Reportedly when completed the engine was fully functional and operational under steam power. As with many vehicles in the collection, it has been largely museum-exhibited since the restoration and while cosmetically still in very good overall order, would require service prior to use of its steam engine.

American LaFrance apparatus were always known for their attention to finish and quality of craftsmanship, and even in this collection of the finest restored machines, in those regards the Metropolitan is among those at the peak. It is bold in size and personality, shimmering with nickel and gold, and finished to the standard that it was when new. Simply put, it is one of the crown jewels of its manufacturer’s Corporate Collection, and, as when new, among the finest steam engines that money can buy.

No stable is complete without it.