American LaFrance Hook And Ladder Aerial Type 31-6

Americans build the most beautiful fire trucks in the world. The functional aspect of a fire engine is hidden beneath rich decorations.

This American LaFrance, delivered in 1922 to the fire department of Westfield, New Jersey, is no exception, as shown by the beautiful gold leaf decorations and black pinstriping, as well as the locomotive like front with a bumper reminiscent of a cowcatcher. To help guide the extremely long vehicle more easily through traffic, a second driver can sit at the rear to steer the back wheels. The ladder can be extended to a length of more than 20 meters by means of a system with long springs. The fire engine is in immaculate condition after an intensive restoration by John Abrahamson of Enfield Auto Restoration in the United States. The equipment, including ladders and tools, is completely intact. The LaFrance factory was founded in New York in the 1870s by Truckson LaFrance and initially produced steam engines. In 1900 the company merged with other manufacturers to form American LaFrance. Around 1910 the factory focused on the production of motorized fire fighting vehicles.