Feb 20, 2019  •  For Sale  •  8 Comments

4×4 Brush Truck: 1961 International-Harvester

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Not to get this one confused with the Electric Light Orchestra song of the same name, this 1961 International-Harvester 4wd retired brush firetruck, apparently, at one time it was in service at the Mile High Fire Department. It is now up for sale here on eBay with a BIN 0f $5,500. Intrigued? Let’s read on…

I know that old emergency apparatus is a really niche market, however, there are fewer and fewer around as time goes by. Most old fire apparatus had their bodies scrapped and chassis turned into other things like tankers and dumptrucks.

Similarly, with retired ambulances over the years – countless numbers have become contractors’ rigs or box-vans. That being said, this particular one, being all together and not rotten-out or buried in a barn, has a bit of market value.

The seller gives us a decent idea of condition. It was apparently still in fully functional shape as recently as 2010 and has been parked for a while. They tell us that the brakes are good, the 304 V8 runs smooth but might need carburetor cleaned, it has 9000 miles on it, a 4-speed manual, and Detroit Locker in the Eaton rear.

Obviously, it is obsolete for modern fire service, however, it could make a great show/parade SPAMFAA antique fire apparatus piece and, given its modest size as compared to some old apparatus,  be manageable to keep, store and maintain. For what it’s worth: My niece is 8 and loves “her” 1961 American LaFrance on a Ford C-chassis that her father (my brother) takes care of for her… I mean, hey, what kid, regardless of age,  wouldn’t want a real firetruck?

Comments

  1. Howard A Howard AMember
    Feb 19, 2019 at 5:42am

    Apparently, the $5,000 dollar stuff, what this sold for, are hot items. It’s a nice unit, but like all fire trucks, a very limited market. Unless you actually want to fight brush fires, which would be a noble cause, I’d pull it apart, ditch the fire apparatus, and you have a dynamite ’61 Cornbinder dually, ready for anything,,except another fire engine, of course. Considering the great condition of older fire trucks, and under $5g’s, I’d say gonna have to be quicker than this to get one.

    Like 4
    • steven sucharski
      Mar 4, 2021 at 3:21am

      I got the same truck with original dump body on the rear.
      Steve in ny

      Like 0
  2. leiniedude leiniedudeMember
    Feb 19, 2019 at 7:35am

    Anyone know what those 2 handles / clamp devices are on the left rear of the box? Thanks in advance.

    Like 2
    • BronzeGiant
      Feb 20, 2019 at 7:31am

      Fire extinguisher mounts.

      Like 1
    • BronzeGiant
      Feb 20, 2019 at 7:32am

      My bad, read it wrong. They are spanner wrenches for tightening hose joints.

      Like 2
      • leiniedude leiniedudeMember
        Feb 20, 2019 at 7:58am

        Thanks BronzeGiant! Ended: Feb 19, 2019 , 4:06AM
        Sold for:US $5,000.00
        [ 11 bids ]

        Like 0
  3. Chevy Guy
    Feb 21, 2019 at 6:36pm

    What the heck is the thing in the front?

    Like 0
    • Larry Fricke
      Feb 21, 2019 at 8:21pm

      Chevy Guy–That thing on the front is the PUMP–Many older trucks were built this way–Real easy to work on and easy to get connected to–They were driven off the crankshaft–It was probably about 250 GPM

      Like 0

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