Imported to the UK in 1991 as a restoration project, it was purchased by the vendor in 1997 and over the next two years set about a ground up restoration preparing the car as a Simplex rally special for long distance rallies. This 1917, American LaFrance Type 12 was supplied new as the Fire Chiefs truck to Fergus Falls Fire Department, Minnesota, USA, the owner when doing his research obtained an original photograph showing the truck on its first day of duty. The company has recently undergone a major rebirth and is once again producing custom fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. Apparatus built by International included horse drawn steamers, hose wagons, and hook and ladders to chemical engines, water towers and combinations. The International Fire Engine Company, corporate predecessor of American La France, built some steam powered fire engines between 19. The company that went on to become American LaFrance built hand-drawn, horse-drawn and steam-powered fire engines.
The American LaFrance Fire Engine Company is one of the oldest fire apparatus manufacturers with roots that go back to approximately 1832.