1922 Ford MODEL T Fire Truck

1922 Ford MODEL T Fire Truck
Engine no. 12886362 (see text)
This fun Fire Engine was generously donated to the collection by the famed Dutch Brewer Heineken in October 2013 and is one of a handful of Fire Trucks or apparatus in this collection. The bodywork wears a plate for 'A. Bikkers & Zoon', of Rotterdam who were known manufacturers of steam-powered fire apparatus in the late 1800s, and later diving helmets. A surviving period advertisement for the company shows that they were certainly also still producing vehicles such as this in the 1920s and clearly on a Model T chassis.

The vehicle adheres closely to the Bikkers and Zoon style of engine, suggesting that it may well be one built by them, and this is further supported by the fact that on the old papers in its file dating back to registration in the Netherlands in 1964, it is already noted as being a fire engine. However, it is not known factually that it was delivered new like this. The old papers show that in those days it carried engine number 15125106, a very late 1928 series engine, which has been replaced by the current unit at some point, and the car has been listed as a 1922 example throughout.

Regardless, today it looks very much the part and ready to carry a small fire-fighting team, being well-equipped with ladder, hoses, and pump. Clearly restored in more recent years, it is sure to provide plenty of entertainment to the owner and those it passes by!