With roots dating to 1832, the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company was one of the oldest fire apparatus manufacturers in the United States. Founded in 1873 by Truxton Slocum LaFrance with some partners as the LaFrance Manufacturing Company, the focus was on the production of fire safety equipment and selling hand-powered and horse drawn equipment before going on to merge with other fire engine producers to form the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company in 1903. Introducing its first motorized fire engine in 1907 then quickly developing a full product line that included pumpers, ladder trucks, and a variety of specialized rescue vehicles. Easily the greatest name in the history of fire apparatus as no other firm has had more influence on the design of modern-day fire engines than American-LaFrance.

We are very proud to offer this 1918 American LaFrance Type 12/45 Triple Combination Hose & Pumper Engine with the iconic fire engine red paint and beautiful gold leaf decorations that are still seen on modern fire engines of today. This fire truck is powered by 855ci 6-cylinder engine producing 130 horsepower, mated to a 3-speed manual transmission with rotary gear pump capable of pumping up to 1000 GPM! Power is brought to the rear wheels by a chain driven set up. Rear drum brakes provide all the stopping power needed. A 161-inch wheelbase chassis is fully loaded with a turret water cannon and 40 gallon chemical reservoir, hand operated siren, spotlight, beautiful brass bell with ALF spread winged American Eagle, connection & tactical water hoses, spray nozzles, fire axe with pick back, brush axe, portable extinguishers, and 20' service ladder. It is now equipped with seatbelts for the driver's seat.

The previous owner, Charles Staats, was a man of great appreciation for history and for those who dedicated their lives to helping others. His love for history began with finding a diary of his grandfather who was a trumpet player in the civil war and could always be found at the union medical tents helping the wounded soldiers. Charles and his wife bought an 1850s estate and ran a bed and breakfast along with storing Charles's massive history collection with a lot of focus on the medical innovations of the past and included a section of the house that was set up just like a civil war surgeons office.

Charles worked on many projects such as a restoration of a civil war ambulance that was shown briefly in Spielberg's “Lincoln”. Having many friends and connections in the medical fields and first responders, due to his love for medical and fire-fighting history, he was prompted by the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, to honor and show his pride for those that followed his grandfather's steps in helping others. Charles started the Boles Fire Company No. 1 in Villa Ridge, Missouri where he restored and displayed this very 1925 American-LaFrance Type 45 Triple Combination Fire Engine back to its original glory along with many other fire apparatus related projects. Included are folders of the American Lafrance detailed factory production specifications, original factory photograph at completion in July 1925, operator's instruction manual, and information of American-LaFrance as well as detailed instructions on how to care and maintain this fire engine.

Mr. Staats was truly a man that cared greatly for history and his dedication to those who gave everything to help others shows in his work. This American LaFrance was by far his greatest show piece of his entire collection! It has been restored with a fully rebuilt drivetrain, upgraded twin engine oil filtration system, 12-volt electrical system with alternator, turn signals, LED accessory lights, and newer dash instrumentation. A gorgeous pumper with lots of unique accessories and show worthy attributes! It was one of five identical Type 45 Triple Combination Pumpers ordered for the Providence, Rhode Island Fire Department, with this being Engine #1! And at near 105 years of age, likely the only one in this stellar condition! Please feel welcome to call with questions or to schedule a chance to see it in person. Thanks for looking!