This rare and desirable 1917 American La France Type 40 Fire truck, #2400, became part of the Alpha Fire Company in Littletown, Pennsylvania in 1919. It was their second, motorized fire truck and it served the growing community until the late 1920s when it was replaced and placed into storage. (http://www.alpha20fire.org/History.html)The fire truck remained on the east coast until the early 1970s when it was purchased by Margaret and Fred Brusher of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Brushers were leading collectors of fine Americana and Folk Art. The fire truck was in well-preserved and complete condition when purchased by the Brushers. It was professionally restored for their private collection where it remained until approximately 2000. After Freds death, #2400 was sold to Howard Weaver and became part of the Michigan Firehouse Museum in Ypsilanti, Michigan.Today, #2400 remains in excellent overall condition. The correct dark red paint with its gold leaf accents remains extremely bright and vibrant throughout. The truck is equipped with all of its proper and correct accessories including the original pump, the hand-hammered, nickel plated chemical tank, the original wire mesh hose basket, a full complement of original ladders, hoses, fittings, extinguishers, and lantern. The truck still retains its original American La France-script radiator badge, hubcaps, gauges, and data plates as well as the proper 60 mph Jones speedometer, moto-meter, headlamps, spot light and the accessory spring loaded bumper.What makes this particular example highly sought after by todays collectors is its small size. The majority of the American La France fire trucks in existence today are built on the long wheel base chassis and powered by the six cylinder engines. This Model 40 is built on the short wheelbase chassis. The entire truck measures just 20 feet long, which means it can be stored in a regular garage and transported on a normal size car trailer. This Model 40 is powered by its original, four-cylinder, T-head engine, which is coupled to a four-speed transaxle that powers the rear wheels via dual, chain drive. This example retains its scarce and original, large diameter, 21 wood artillery wheels, which are covered in 36 x 5 hard rubber tires that could easily be converted to pneumatic tires if desired. The truck runs and drives well but does have some minor flaws and imperfections as seen in the photos.This is a rare opportunity to purchase a desirable and well-documented, small size fire truck that is ready to use and enjoy. For more information, please call David Weber (314) 941-3244 or email Dave@stlouiscarmuseum.com