1921 American- LaFrance

Early on, a number of high speed racing models were built to demonstrate the performance capabilities and reliability of the La France fire engines along with a limited number of passenger vehicles (known as ?chiefs?) powered by a four-cylinder engine built under licence by Simplex ((to a design by Wilhelm Maybach)). Indeed the basic design of the Simplex chassis frame, suitably lengthened, was used by La France for their fire tenders.

Over the years the robust chassis and huge engines of these fire appliances have proven popular with builders of chain-drive monsters, these leviathans often sporting minimal bodywork and bucket seats in place of the original bench. With longer gearing, the 14.5-litre 'T' head engine can happily cruise at the speed limit at minimal revs and without fuss, with plenty in reserve should the conditions allow it. The engine consists of three in-line blocks of twin cylinder mounted on a common crankcase, with inlets and exhausts on either side.

Twin ignition is provided by both magneto and distributor and there is a self starter to avoid the need to swing the engine over by handle, aided by a decompression system. Originally braking was to the rear wheels only, the drums having the drive sprocket on the outside with foot-operated bands externally and brake shoes operated by hand, internally.