The 1956 American LaFrance 700 Series stands as one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the history of emergency response. During the post-war era, this model revolutionized the industry by popularizing the cab-forward configuration that remains the global standard today. Originally delivered to Coldwater, Michigan, this specific pumper served its community with distinction for decades before joining a prestigious corporate collection. It represents a time when utility was married to magnificent craftsmanship and bold engineering. For collectors of significant Americana, this apparatus offers a rare blend of historical importance and updated mechanical reliability.
Evolution of the Cab Forward Design
American LaFrance broke new ground with the 700 Series by moving the driver ahead of the front axle. This innovation provided superior visibility and maneuverability on tight city streets compared to older conventional designs. Between 1947 and 1958, more than 3,000 units were produced to meet the demands of growing suburban departments. The design was so successful that it influenced the layout of nearly every fire truck built thereafter. Consequently, seeing one today instantly evokes a sense of mid-century civic pride. It remains a foundational piece of the American firefighting legacy.
Mechanical Service Upgrades and Reliability
In a common practice for costly municipal equipment, this 1956 American LaFrance 700 Series received significant mechanical updates during its life. The original gasoline V-12 was eventually replaced with a more efficient Detroit Diesel six-cylinder engine. This swap was paired with an automatic transmission, greatly simplifying the driving experience for modern operators. These upgrades allowed the truck to remain in dependable service far longer than its contemporaries. Today, these changes make the vehicle much more approachable for enthusiasts who wish to drive it to shows. It balances vintage aesthetics with a drivetrain built for endurance.
Firefighting Equipment and Pump Capacity
This 700 Series pumper was built to handle serious emergencies with a 750-gpm pump and a 500-gallon booster tank. The right-side control panel allowed the chauffeur to manage water flow immediately upon arriving at a scene. It still carries a 35-foot extension ladder on its rack along with dual hose reels for rapid deployment. These features showcase the versatile nature of the “775-PJO” configuration ordered by the Coldwater Fire Department. Every valve and gauge serves as a reminder of the mechanical complexity required for 1950s fire suppression. It is a fully realized time capsule of emergency technology.
Corporate Collection Restoration Quality
The truck underwent a high-quality cosmetic restoration to join the American LaFrance Corporate Collection. The livery features deep red paintwork accented by authentic 23K gold leaf decoration and hand-painted flourishes. Many dashboard instruments were updated during the restoration process to match the newer diesel drivetrain specifications. It retains all the correct accessories and chrome equipment that distinguished the top-tier LaFrance models of the day. This level of finish ensures the truck looks as impressive on a concours lawn as it did on the station floor. It is clearly a vehicle maintained to professional museum standards.
Engine Performance and Technical Specifications
This 1956 American LaFrance 700 Series is powered by a Detroit Diesel six-cylinder engine paired with an automatic transmission. The apparatus features a 750-gpm pump system and a 500-gallon booster tank for firefighting operations. It sits on a specialized cab-forward chassis with heavy-duty suspension designed for carrying water and equipment. The braking system and electrical components were service-updated to support the diesel repower and modern gauge cluster. These specifications ensure the truck can be operated with greater ease than its original 1956 configuration. It provides a robust and functional platform for any historic fleet.
Summary of the 700 Series Pumper
The 1956 American LaFrance 700 Series Pumper is a significant artifact from the American LaFrance Corporate Collection. Its history in Coldwater, Michigan, provides a documented lineage of service and professional maintenance. While many fire trucks from this era were lost to scrap, this example has been preserved with exceptional care. The Detroit Diesel upgrade makes it a practical choice for collectors who value mechanical usability. It remains a stunning visual tribute to the men and women who served on these iconic machines. This pumper is ready to inspire the next generation of fire history enthusiasts.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
