American LaFrance Vintage Car
May 5, 2012 07:39:16 #
We had a Classic Car show in Droitwich today and there was a car you may find interesting. I think it was a 1920's LaFrance. It had wooden wheels and individual chain driven rear wheels. I think the company made fire trucks in New York. First shots with my new X100.
LaFrance with a bit of sepia
LaFrance
LaFrance 'interior'?
Chain driven wooden rear wheels
Victoria Square in Droitwich
LaFrance engine
May 5, 2012 08:58:46 #
You are correct. American LaFrance did build fire engines. They were very popular in the early 1900s. I have some fire books that show some of them restored and also some in action. Love your photos.
May 5, 2012 12:06:31 #
photo guy wrote:
You are correct. American LaFrance did build fire engines. They were very popular in the early 1900s. I have some fire books that show some of them restored and also some in action. Love your photos.
And continues to do so. At one time they were owned by Freightliner.
May 5, 2012 19:44:43 #
RobShipley
Loc: UK
The owner told me it was 1917 and built from a fire engine to resemble the original race type car of which around 20 were built, I think he said, but only one original still exists. He believes the car can do about 80mph or so - but he said 50 was enough for him!
May 6, 2012 07:22:36 #
May 6, 2012 09:40:33 #
GrainyKev wrote:
We had a Classic Car show in Droitwich today and there was a car you may find interesting. I think it was a 1920's LaFrance. It had wooden wheels and individual chain driven rear wheels. I think the company made fire trucks in New York. First shots with my new X100.
:P Thank you!
May 6, 2012 09:53:10 #
That makes sense Rob as I got my meagre info from a quick Google image scan, and the nearest match was indeed a fire engine. Are you local then?
May 6, 2012 15:35:23 #
RobShipley
Loc: UK
Yes near Droitwich and originally from Halesowen where the driver of the LaFrance had driven from - are you local too?
May 6, 2012 16:16:14 #
If you google American lafrance speedster you will come up with more info. Google images and You tube has some good footage of these monsters.
May 6, 2012 19:05:12 #
Yes Rob, Droitwich for 21 years then Worcester for 26 years. back in the same house in Droitwich for the last 7.
I'm probably in the way in some of your photos.
This is a very roundabout way to meet is it not?
Thanks Tian I will do that - I would love to see it moving I must say. I seem to have turned into Jeeves - pip pip.
I'm probably in the way in some of your photos.
This is a very roundabout way to meet is it not?
Thanks Tian I will do that - I would love to see it moving I must say. I seem to have turned into Jeeves - pip pip.
May 7, 2012 19:30:39 #
RobShipley
Loc: UK
When I'm back on a PC I'll post mine of the LaFrance - there was a very brief moment when people were away from the car at about 1:00pm, I know the time as my wife was ringing me, as I should have been back to the car by then . . . but the LaFrance caught me by surprise - hadn't seen or heard of one before. In my rush I didn't get a snap of the driver . . . which was a shame.
May 8, 2012 13:17:32 #
May 8, 2012 17:17:44 #
Look forward to seeing them Rob. We were early for once ie morning. I didn't get to see the driver either - must find out more. Are you in Ombersley perchance?
Good idea Tian
Good idea Tian
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