The American LaFrance Fire Engine Company is one of the oldest fire equipment industrialists in America. With a heritage that goes back to approximately 1832, the businesses that went on to become American LaFrance built hand-drawn, horse-drawn, and steam-powered fire engines. Founded in 1873 by Truckson LaFrance and his partners as the LaFrance Manufacturing Company, they sold hand-powered equipment. The International Fire Engine Company, corporate precursor of American LaFrance, built some steam power fire engines between 1903 to1907. Apparatus built by International included horse drawn steamers, hose wagons, and hook and ladders to chemical engines, water towers and combinations.

The American LaFrance Fire Engine Company was formed in 1903. Its corporate offices and manufacturing plant were in Elmira, New York. It also operated a Canadian plant in Toronto, Ontario, where it sold apparatus under the name LaFrance-Foamite, such as this unit, until 1971.

The established style of the American LaFrance apparatus is easily recognized. Some of the company's innovations led to changes in the industry, most notably the cab-forward style. Despite many attempts by well-established backers, on January 17, 2014, the company announced it was ceasing operations.

This particular vehicle comes from the estate of a longtime enthusiast who collected many firefighting related pieces of memorabilia over the years that ranged from Matchbox toys to pedal cars, to full-size, fully restored real life fire trucks.

The offered 1928 American LaFrance-Foamite Fire Truck, Model #14 was acquired by the late owner in 2001. The truck was one of three, and it was originally built in Toronto, Ontario in 1928 and was put into service for the City of Timmins. With the help of many friends and family, the gentleman collector saw his dream come to life when he completed its frame-off restoration and displayed the truck for the first time at the first Becher Hook & Ladder Antique Expo in May 2010, soon after the completion of the restoration. Later that same year, he drove the truck for the first time and was able to participate in a local event for motoring and boating, plus being part of the St. Thomas Fire Muster - both adding to his list of goals accomplished.

The 1928 American LaFrance-Foamite specifications includes running with a rebuilt six-cylinder L-head engine that is believed to be original to the fire truck. This unit is backed by a four- speed manual transmission. Additional equipment and features includes manual rear drum brakes, a two-piece hood, 40-gallon soda and acid chemical tank and plumbing under seat, Goodyear tires, behind seat fuel tank, battery box on the left side running board, wood spoke wheels, gold leaf lettering and details, moto-meter, nine-inch cab-mounted spotlight, bright headlights with clear glass, front bumper, numerous equipment accessories and three period-correct and original ladders on the back.

This is a large and imposing machine that certainly is popular with fire truck enthusiasts, children and general onlookers fondly remembering fantasies from their youth. Impressive in size, the body measures 31-feet in length with an additional five-foot rear section for ladders. The open cab, by design, has no windshield, side or rear windows. When being restored, the seat and steering wheel were hand-crafted and the detailing is most evident. The running boards are made from a special Brazilian-sourced wood and measure 15-feet, 10-inches in length, plus they are 16-inches wide and store various attachments for nozzles, picks, axes and similar hardware. Power steering parts, extra fire hoses, nozzles and siren also accompany the fire truck. This LaFrance-Foamite shows very nicely and will continue to garner its deserved attention.

Please click the blue "Condition Report" box above for additional details regarding this specific vehicle.