Burning Desire: The 1956 American LaFrance 700 Series ‘775-PJO’ Pumper

There is a universal truth that transcends borders, generations, and tax brackets: at some point in their life, every young boy wanted to be a fireman. It wasn’t necessarily about the danger or the civic duty; it was about the truck. The noise, the flashing lights, the sheer, unadulterated size of the red beast thundering down Main Street.

While most of us grew up to file spreadsheets rather than fight infernos, that childhood fascination never truly extinguishes. It just lies dormant, waiting for the right spark.

That spark has arrived in the form of this magnificent 1956 American LaFrance 700 Series ‘775-PJO’ Pumper, a vehicle that offers the rare chance to park a legitimate childhood hero in your garage.

The 700 Series is, for many, the definitive shape of the American fire engine. Produced between 1947 and 1958, it was the machine that popularized the “cab-forward” configuration, pushing the driver ahead of the front axle for better visibility and maneuverability.

It is the face that comes to mind when you close your eyes and picture a vintage fire truck. This particular example, offered from the prestigious American LaFrance Corporate Collection, is not just a museum piece; it is a storied veteran of the trade.

Delivered new in March of 1956 to the fire department of Coldwater, Michigan, it spent decades on the front lines, serving its community with a setup that included a 35-foot extension ladder, dual hose reels, and a robust 750-gallon-per-minute pump.

What makes this specific apparatus so intriguing for the modern collector is its mechanical evolution. In the world of municipal service, these vehicles were far too expensive to simply discard when technology marched forward. Instead, they were adapted.

While this 700 Series left the factory with a V-12 engine and a manual gearbox, it was later upgraded in service to a Detroit Diesel six-cylinder engine paired with an automatic transmission. While purists might mourn the loss of the V-12, the pragmatist will rejoice.

This drivetrain swap makes the truck significantly more approachable to drive, ensuring that you won’t need a degree in double-clutching just to get it out of the driveway for a Sunday cruise.

It represents a functional chapter in the truck’s life, a testament to its longevity and the “keep it running at all costs” mentality of the firehouse.

Visually, the truck is nothing short of arresting. Having undergone a high-quality older cosmetic restoration for the Corporate Collection, it presents in a brilliant, mirror-finish red that demands attention. The livery is accented with genuine 23k gold leaf decoration, a traditional flourish that adds a layer of regal elegance to this industrial workhorse.

The chrome shines with the intensity of a thousand suns, and the correct accessories—from the sirens to the spotlight—are all present and accounted for. The dashboard features updated instruments, likely installed during the engine swap, adding another layer of functional history to the cabin.

Set to cross the auction block with RM Sotheby’s with a pre-sale estimate of between $15,000 and $25,000, this is shockingly accessible for a vehicle of such magnitude and provenance.

Offered without reserve, it presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of mid-century Americana that is guaranteed to be the biggest head-turner at any car show, parade, or tailgate party you choose to attend. It is big, it is bold, and it is undeniably cool—a reminder that while we may have grown up, we don’t have to grow out of our toys.

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