Robert shares with us a shot of not just one but two Autocar Fire Trucks from companies in Delaware. The unit on the left with open top comes from the Hockessin Fire Company and complete with a Hahn pumper body and Detroit Diesel under the hood. The truck on the right is 1961 model with an Oren body. Originally this truck came equipped with a gas engine that was removed in favor of a, you guessed it, a Detroit. Currently wearing a Elsmere Fire Company signage some poking around the web reveals it started life with The Hockessin fire department as seen by this great collection of photos. That setback axle rescue truck is mean looking!
Thanks for the share Robert!
They also had a really cool old Autocar rescue truck as well (photo not mine, got it from the internet). 🙂 https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/13975740226_38099c1068_b.jpg
Hi, a small correction: The 1961 Autocar was indeed built for Elsmere and badged “164”. It was later sold to Hockessin (just 15 miles down the road, in Delaware) and badged “194” after they wrecked their 1960 Autocar. Appears it once again is sporting its original Elsmere colors and number.
It was found by a past chief of Hockessin who bought it. He brought it back to Hockessin and then eventually donated it back to the Elsmere Fire Company. Several versions of paint schemes of these Autocars are on a page “Autocar Fire Apparatus” found on Facebook.
I tried to leave some pictures. However I couldn’t figure it out. I run the page on Facebook and was gonna put all the pictures up. I’ve driven the 67 and 77 definitely fun to drive. Our Autocar history goes like the following.
1) 1941 Autocar-First new Engine
— Currently owned by member
2) 1949 Autocar Engine
— Can not locate past a certain pt.
3) 1960 Autocar Engine.
— This Engine was involved in a accident responding to a call and was sold. It was repaired and saw service with Bethel & Avondale, Pa. Currently owned by Avondale mbr.
4) 1961 Autocar Engine inclosed cab. Bought from Elsmere Fire Co. To replace the 1960. It was found and purchased by a Hockessin past Chief. He brought it back to Delaware and donated it back to Elsmere Fire Co. Where it reside today.
5) 1967 Autocar Engine 19-2. Completely restored by professionals. She has her own bay at HFC
— Owned by Hockessin Fire Co.
6) 1977 Autocar Heavy Rescue with walk in Hamerly body.
— Currently owned by a member