56 Year Old Fire Engine Restored to Former Glory

[Elton]

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have restored back to its original condition a vehicle from its historical fleet, a Dennis F7 Pump Escape Fire Appliance.

 

The vehicle, dating back to 1949, has undergone a complete makeover after many years of service have eventually taken its toll. Many hours of hard work have gone into its refurbishment including a complete replacement of the appliance’s interior and various mechanical elements, as well as a body re-spray and new livery, bringing the engine back to life.

 

Being part of the fleet for the past 56 years the Service were not willing to let the engine look run down. Transport Manager, Hayden Day explained, “The restoration work was important to us, the vehicle is not only unique to Cheshire Fire Service it is also become part of our heritage.”

 

The restoration project has been carried out in partnership with members of the Service and Thomas Hardie Commercials, the Northwest Truck and Bus Distributors.

 

Hayden commented that, “The final results look fantastic.” He added that, “everyone involved has done a great job.”

 

Thomas Hardie Commercials carried out one of the final tasks in the project, re-spraying the vehicle. Paint and Body shop Business Development Manager, Bill Watkins commented that, “Having the task of re-spraying the vehicle has been an honour.” He added that, “The vehicle looks as good as new, all the hard work of everyone involved in the project has finally paid off.”

 

Back in the 1950’s the F7 was known for its advanced performance and modern looks. Its 4 speed Rolls Royce Engine, 0-60 speed of 45 seconds and a typical fuel consumption of 3 to 4 mpg were quite impressive for the time. With no power steering and hydraulic brakes the F7 was known to be difficult to drive. Driving one was considered quite an art, although drivers still loved using them.

 

Now the engine has retired from its official duty the F7 still attends shows and has become a local attraction in its home town of Chester. With approximately 5 remaining from the 50 that were made, enthusiasts and others alike still want to see a working F7 model.

 

[Newt]

Beautiful piece of equipment and they certainly did a great job of restoring it.

 

Errr - do you think this is the new vehicle Ferret said he was getting today?

[Elton]

Beautiful piece of equipment and they certainly did a great job of restoring it.

 

Errr - do you think this is the new vehicle Ferret said he was getting today?

 

Not unless they stuck it on ebay

[Guest Ferret1959]

Well I picked up the new car this morning.

:)

 

 

Nice car and I'm really pleased with it.

Only trouble is it's French.

 

[Chris Goddard]

Erm??? Surely you mean THANK GOODNESS it's French??? Most reliable run of the mill cars going!!! MILLIONS of French people CAN'T be wrong!!!

[Elton]

Erm??? Surely you mean THANK GOODNESS it's French??? Most reliable run of the mill cars going!!! MILLIONS of French people CAN'T be wrong!!!

 

Yes they can.

[merlino bill]

oi oi,

i'll take a japanees car anyday solid & reliable.

 

[Tog]

Lovely old beastie, my dad used to have a 40's Dennis turntable and would go up the ladder at shows & run the hose, first time I was on tv was when we had a big sale in the 70's and I was filmed playing in it with a brass helmet on - wonder where she is now?

Interesting aside - don't want to pay road tax? get a Fire engine - no VED to pay, touch thirsty though!

[bushwacker]

It looks lovely. I love to see old vehicles mainly goods vehicles restored to their former glory.