For starters, trucks of the Dodge “Power Giant” era are some of the coolest on the road. The 1957-1960 trucks really have a unique look and whether we’re talking the W100 or larger W200, 300, 500 series rigs, they have a personality all of their own. This one has a personality and look that is from another planet, the planet of freaking awesome. The video below takes you for a full tour of the only known “Little Mo” American LaFrance fire fighting truck known to exist in the world.
A partnership between American LaFrance and Dodge is what brought these trucks to life and they were designed to fight brush fires, airport fires, and whatever other rough terrain needs that may be encountered by a department. Making the truck exceptionally awesome is that all the systems on the rig were designed to be operated by one guy and primarily from the cab!
From the cable operated roof turret to the water/foam nozzles below the front bumper and other stuff, this was a one many fire killing band on wheels. Power comes from a 318ci Poly engine and the truck does have four wheel drive. We have no idea how many were sold but this is the only one that is still intact and in existence. Painted to look like the demonstrator model that American LaFrance would have shopped around, we’re completely in love with this truck.
This particular rig was bought from a small airport on the east coast and then restored to the condition that you see it in here. We actually dug up some “before” photos and while the truck was not in bad shape it certainly was not in anywhere near the shape you see it in the video below.
I’ve well documented my love for old trucks here over the years and just when I think I have seen them all, I have not. Specific trucks like this one are stunners to me and the fact that there is one shining example left makes me smile. I’ve got no idea where this rig is now but I hope it is in the right hands.
