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FOR SALE: 1924 Model T Fire Truck *SOLD*


Matt Harwood

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*SOLD*

For pure fun, it's probably hard to beat this neat little Model T fire truck. Now before you purists and experts start identifying everything that's incorrect, just take a look at the build quality, the finish, and the price. This is probably more fun per dollar than anything else this side of a Schwinn. It is not a real period fire truck, that's obvious, but there's clearly a TON of money tied up in the build and the names of all the guys who did the work are on a little plaque on the dash. It really is beautifully built, with an oak C-cab body and bed, real steel Model T fenders and hood, and a bunch of stainless steel railings to give it a fire truck look. Heck, just that stainless work (note that all the welds are ground smooth) probably cost a significant fraction of the asking price. Finish quality is quite good throughout, and you can tell there were professionals at work. It was built as a tribute to the firefighters who died on 9/11, which is reflected in the four murals on the sides of the "bed" in back. There are two benches and four people can probably squeeze into the bed for parades, which is probably this trucklet's ideal purpose. All the firefighting apparatus looks pretty authentic, including the jacket, pants, boots, fire hook, and a gorgeous copper and brass fire extinguisher strapped to the cab. It's just got a great look.

The interior is as basic as it comes, with a black vinyl bench and minimal instrumentation (an ammeter). All the usual Model T controls are there and I don't see any major deviations from what you'd expect if you're familiar with these little Fords. Again, finish quality is very good and the workmanship on the woodwork in particular is quite professional with beautiful beveled and ogee'd edges throughout. I don't see any major signs of use, as it was in a private collection/museum in PA for the past few years, but it has clearly been driven a bit.

The engine appears to be a 1925 unit (serial number 12014150), and the whole trucklet might even be a 1925, although it's listed and titled as a '24. It has been rebuilt and detailed pretty well, although it has a variety of upgrades and modifications intended to make it more parade-friendly. The obvious stuff includes an upgraded Texas T Parts water pump and manifold assembly and a 12-volt alternator neatly integrated into the original location. Other things, like the ignition system and carburetor are correct, and with 12 volts running through the starter, it spins with real vigor. The 2-speed planetary transmission shifts easily with a traditional Model T whirring sound and the suspension and brakes are stock. There's a nice exhaust system that has a familiar sound and the chassis was clearly fully restored before the body went on. As I said, there's a lot of time and money wrapped up in the build. It's got 21-inch spoke wheels with gold pinstripes and right-sized Universal blackwall tires, including a spare tucked underneath.

Model Ts are perennial favorites and it seems that they're gaining some younger followers. For a T that you can use for promotions and parades, this one is hard to beat and the price is only $14,900. Heck, at that price, if you don't like the fire truck body, replace it with a repro roadster body and go have some fun with the fully restored mechanicals. This is a neat little machine. Thanks for looking!

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Edited by Matt Harwood (see edit history)
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