St. Louis Car Museum & Sales
1575 Woodson Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63114
"Horse-drawn steam powered fire pumpers were the standard firefighting apparatus of the late 19th Century, almost all of them using boiler technology patented by Charles Fox of Cincinnati, Ohio. Chris Ahrens began building fire apparatus in 1870, forming Ahrens Manufacturing Company in 1875. By 1910, he was joined by his son-in-law Charles Fox, and the company had become known as Ahrens-Fox where they continued to build from their Cincinnati, OH facility.
In 1919 the company introduced and patented the first modern triple-combination, self-propelled pumper. While other manufacturers used centrifugal or rotary-type pumps, Ahrens-Fox preferred a 4-cylinder piston pump which was well proven in the field and widely known and accepted by fire departments. Ahrens-Fox, perhaps reflecting Charles Fox's experience as a fire fighter in Cincinnati, became known for the high quality of its apparatus. Their last example was delivered in 1952 to Hope Hose Company #1 in Tarrytown, New York.
The super original example offered here is a 1928 Ahrens-Fox N-S-4 triple combination pumper powered by a 998ci T-Head 6-cylinder Super Power engine with dual exhaust valves producing 110 horsepower. It retains its Register No. 3321 identification body tags and was rated with a 1000gpm flow rate when in use. For extra starting reliability in all conditions, the factory electrical system consists of a Delco Magneto and Bosch distributor. It also features traditional right-hand-drive controls, 3-speed manual transmission, 40-gallon fuel tank, front & rear solid axles with leaf springs, and mechanical drum brakes. Apparatus equipment still retained on our well survived N-S-4 include two extension ladders, correct Ryan-Lite heads lights, forward-mounted Sterling electric siren, 12"" chrome hand bell, hose bin & reel, onboard water/chemical tank, 2.5"" hose, under hood service light & oiling can, 2 standard fire extinguishers (Rough-Riders), 2 small extinguishers, 2 large diameter hose hook-ups, 1 screened pick up, 4 spray nozzles, 1 spear pick, 1 pry bar, and more connections and spare pieces in the storage bins including period hand tools.
The front-mounted piston pump featured the easily identifiable Ahrens-Fox spherical air chamber. Our example was placed in service as the very first motorized engine apparatus ever used by the Fairview Fire Department in 1928. The overall patina of FFD Engine No. 1 is outstanding with much of the original painted filigree details still faintly visible on body panels and controls, along with the original wood dash, gauges, and green linoleum floor coverings. We replaced the engine oil, cleaned the fuel filter, replaced the original fan belt, & installed a new battery. It continues to start and run wonderfully providing a robust exhaust note and massive torque! The original fuel tank appears to be in good shape inside, but it now utilizes a smaller, auxiliary fuel cell for operation. We have not made any efforts to utilize the actual pump, but it appears to be all intact like the rest of the truck. Sold on Bill of Sale. Please feel free to call with additional questions or to schedule an opportunity to inspect in person. We look forward to working with you!
"
Year: | 1928 |
Make: | Ahrens-Fox |
Model: | N-S-4 |
Mileage: | |
Exterior Color: | Red/Gold Leaf |
Interior Color: | Black Leather |
Trim: | Pumper Fire Truck |
Body: | |
Stock: | 40040 |
Engine Size: | |
Transmission: | 3 Speed Manual |
Vin: | 3321 |
All Inventory | Email Seller | Dealer Website
| Get Directions
Since 1994, St. Louis Car Museum & Sales has provided quality special interest vehicles, motorcycles, boats and aircraft for collectors around the globe. Our variety of inventory is a testament to our passion for all things motor-related and allows our staff to cater to a wide range of automotive enthusiasts.
Here at the St Louis Car Museum we actively buy, sell, consign, and trade everything from sought after antique cars to highly collectible muscle and European sports models. Our experienced staff also works closely with specialty motorcycles, vintage boats, and automobilia. All items are expertly displayed in our climate-controlled, 85,000+ sq. ft. facility, complete with premiere Swisstrax Tile Flooring to ensure each vehicle is properly preserved.
Our packed classic car showroom is a “Go-To” destination for car club members, Route 66 tours, as well as, St. Louis groups searching for a family-friendly location. In addition to the museum, we also provide an in house repair shop that specializes in the preservation and maintenance of all Hummer models. If you're in need of servicing your Hummer, please visit HummerService.com!
The St. Louis Car Museum is located only 10 minutes from Lambert International airport, making our showroom a convenient destination for St. Louis visitors as well as prospective clients seeking a seamless car buying experience. Our staff encourages prospective buyers to schedule an appointment prior to any visit to ensure vehicle availability by calling (800)957-5707 or emailing [email protected].
Have you found the perfect collector vehicle on All Collector Cars? Before you make any decisions, we recommend that you take some time now to read the full description and review all the pictures with the listing. It’s important to do as much due diligence as you can before you contact the seller so that you’re prepared to ask about any flaws you see—and perhaps ones you don’t.
All Collector Cars allows our sellers to post unlimited vehicle pictures and descriptions, which gives you, the buyer, more control and information. In addition, our Buyers Resource section offers advice and vendor recommendations to guide you through the buying process, from classic car financing & insurance to collector vehicle shipping & restoration.