● Classic American Design – The Model T Chassis That Greatly Contributed to Automotive Popularization
This vehicle is built on the iconic “T” chassis, which made outstanding contributions to the widespread adoption of automobiles in the United States. It features a two-axle, four-wheel open configuration.
Exhibiting the classic look of an American vintage car, the brass headlamps are mounted above the front suspension on the fenders. A vacuum pump at the front end identifies it as a fire truck.
A Ford engine, exuding the aura of early industrialization, is ingeniously installed beneath the front hood. According to available information, the vehicle is powered by a 15 kW gasoline engine paired with a 3-speed manual transmission, achieving a top speed of approximately 65 km/h.
The integrated design of the front and rear fenders hints at an early form of modular manufacturing.
The rugged and straightforward steering wheel perfectly embodies the American character, while the single rearview mirror was sufficient for safe driving at the time.
Inside, a single-row bench seat is installed, nominally for 1 person but could squeeze in 2. Bear in mind, 2-seater vehicles today are mostly reserved for supercars.
The heavy clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals were considered “modern” symbols of the era. The fully mechanical gear lever greatly reduced the chances of malfunction.
Steel wheels with spoked rims wrapped in pneumatic tires evoke the spirit of America‘s industrial age.
The leaf springs are mounted transversely. Though much of the surface has been repainted, the rust peeking through reveals the passage of time.
The combination design of the taillight and license plate bracket remains impressively modern even by today’s standards.
Manufactured in 1926, this vehicle had a profound impact at the time. While its chassis was pivotal to automotive popularization, calling it a fire truck seems almost insufficient—it resembles a vintage sports car infused with the character of early American industrial design.
Today, the vehicle is preserved in a small product showroom located in the basement of the Darley Company’s Chicago office building. Nicknamed “Darley’s No.1 Antique Vehicle,” this nearly centenarian fire truck still stands out as a unique icon of modernity in our contemporary world.
● Long Retired, Yet Combat-Ready
The bell in front of the steering wheel serves multiple purposes: Functioning as both a horn and an alarm.
Antique-style lanterns transport us back to the early 20th century.
The striking red warning light, mounted centrally among four vertical posts, delivers an unmistakable alert signal.
The fire pump is a Barton vacuum pump produced by Darley USA, with a flow rate of 30 L/s at 0.5 MPa.
Approximately 150 meters of fire hose are folded and stored at the rear of the vehicle. The wire mesh compartment—was it perhaps an early attempt at lightweight design?
The rear boarding step is ergonomically designed and doubles as a protective structure for the chassis—a smart 2-in-1 feature.
From the back, the boarding step also greatly facilitates the storage and retrieval of the hose.
A heavy water pipe lies quietly on the right-hand step.
A toolbox and a water bucket are placed behind the left step. Though the bucket may seem outdated now, it was once an essential firefighting tool.
In January 1927, this fire truck was purchased by the fire department of Thompson Township, Pennsylvania, for $690. After 8 years of service, it was officially retired in 1935. Subsequently acquired by a private owner, the truck changed hands several times but always remained in good working condition, continuing to assist in firefighting and drainage.
In 2008, during its centennial celebration, Darley USA bought the vehicle back at a high price from Joseph Arnold Jr., finally bringing it home after more than 80 years.
Though modern firefighting equipment has long since taken over its duties, the story of this fire truck continues to flow through the river of history.
A salute to the legacy of industrial civilization! A salute to the heritage of firefighting!
