When I lived in NYC back in the '80's, about the only "car stuff" one could do was to go to shows and collect models.
That's when I picked up these two inexpensive 1/43rd scale fire-themed vehicles.

Eligor (France) 1931 Cadillac V-16 Series 452A Ambulance.
http://photos.aaca.org/data/500/31_Caddy_Fire_3.jpg
http://photos.aaca.org/data/500/32_Ford_Fire_2.jpg
Solido (France) 1932 Ford V-8 Hose & Ladder Truck.
http://photos.aaca.org/data/500/32_Ford_Fire_3.jpgIt also started a theme of acquiring models that were sort of auto-biographical; L.A. County FD
(I was born there, in L.A., not the FD), and Manhattan Fire Brigade (lived there).
The City of Anderson, SC, FD has a great little fire-fighting museum at its main station, filled with 4 old city-owned vehicles and loads of memorabilia. They've revamped it in a major way, and plan an October Grand Re-opening
to the public. I was able to get in today to take a few pix...

1919 Seagrave Hose & Ladder Truck
http://photos.aaca.org/data/500/1919_Seagrave.jpg
1915 Seagrave Hose & Ladder Truck
http://photos.aaca.org/data/500/1915_Seagrave.jpg
1911 American LaFrance Hose & Chemical Truck
http://photos.aaca.org/data/500/1911_American_LaFrance.jpg
Circa 1880's Hook & Ladder Wagon
http://photos.aaca.org/data/500/1880_Hook_n_Ladder_Wagon.jpgEnjoy,
TG