Summary

1948 Ford Firetruck with 51,287 original miles (title reads mileage exempt). Powered by a 292ci Y-block engine and a 4-speed manual transmission with 2-speed rear differential. Original truck in service in Monarch, MT. Currently used as a parade vehicle.

Details

This 1948 Ford Firetruck was originally purchased for the Monarch Volunteer Fire Department in Monarch, MT, an unincorporated area that sits at the base of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. This beautiful firetruck was in service through 1974, when the original Flathead 6-cylinder engine was replaced with a bored-out 1955 Ford 292ci Y-block V8 engine. The bed on this two-ton truck is unidentified, but has a water tank, hoses, reals, and a modern fire extinguisher mounted for display. The main pump was capable of draining the tank of water in under one minute at full spray. The water tank was shortened to accommodate bench seating for passengers. Hoses are folded under the bed floor, and the ladder hangs on original brass hardware. The manual transmission is a 4-speed with a 2-speed rear differential. The brakes are hydraulic over electric for power brakes. The electrical system is still operating on the original 6-volt design, and two 6-volt batteries power the vehicle. The red rotating beacon mounted on the roof and original siren are still operational. The truck has been sitting under cover for the last 20 years and has 51,287 original miles (the title reads mileage exempt). This piece of history still runs and drives, but was primarily used as a parade vehicle. It has also been on display at the Utah Firefighters Museum and Memorial in Tooele, UT.