Beschreibung
** Bedford Green Goddess fire engine fully kitted out and in fully workable order**
Questions one may ask.
Q: What model of vehicle are you viewing here?
A: Welcome to the sale of this simply spectacular Green Goddess fire engine. The vehicle was declared new on 1st October 1957 and retains all of its original gear from new. The fire engine is based on a Bedford RLHZ featuring Bedford's own 6 cylinder straight six water cooled petrol engine. This engine was converted in the year 2002 to run on unleaded petrol to make for easy modern use.
Some history on the old Goddess. This vehicle was converted in April 200 for use in Northern Ireland. Only 37 Green Goddess's were converted in total with 32 being main front line vehicles and five being kept in reverse spares in case of break downs. The Northern Ireland conversions included 'Anti Tamper' lockers, which could only be opened with a unique key. Fully riot mesh protected cab which was securely lockable, both inside and out. All pump gauges at the rear covered to prevent them being smashed. Full foam making equipment was also added, this vehicle carries 100 ltres of foam concentrate and 7:1 nozzle making 7 droplets of foam for every droplet of water used. The reason Northern Ireland carried foam was due to the presents of petrol and petrol bombs in a lot of 'public order' incidents.
So then, you may be asking yourself why it is yellow? There are two possible reasons for this.
The Northern Ireland auxiliary Rescue Service uses various types of emergency vehicle all painted yellow, so it may have been done to blend in.
The most logical answer is; (Quote from a British army officer) 'Green is traditionally an Irish colour; if the pumps were left green then stones were thrown at us! Green is also associated with ARMY, if the pumps were left green, stones were thrown at us! So they were painted yellow so stones weren't thrown at us.'
Q: Does the vehicle work as intended?
A: The vehicle is a true relic of the past with everything working as it did when it was new. The vehicle is fitted with two water pumps. One which runs from the transfer box off the engine (main water pump) the other is a portable Coventry Climax pump. The engine fitted to the Climax is the same that was fitted the Hillman race cars. These types of engines are meant to run just about flat out. Both the main pump and the portable pump have been tested and I can confirm they are both in fully operational order.
Q: Are there any known faults?
A: One may wonder with a vehicle when fully loaded with crew and water weighing over 8 tonnes (8165 kg to be exact) there are bound to be a string of fault. Believe or not but this vehicle is fully operational with everything fitted working well. I have nothing to hide with it so please by all means come and get on your back and bring your screwdriver and hammer you not find any rust on this chassis.
Q: Does it start and run well?
A: The vehicle is fitted with the Bedford straight six petrol engine. This was converted in 2002 to run on unleaded petrol. The engine sounds well and pulls the Goddess up a hill in top gear. It shows no signs of smoke or overheating. The previous owner was so confident in her that he drove it to Kings Lynne and back from County Durham, a steady 35mph all the way and the old Goddess took the journey in her stride. The engine is a 5 litre (4927cc) petrol (unleaded) coupled to a speed gearbox with four forward and 1 reverse (NO synchro on 1st). The old Bedford also has selectable four wheel drive. With permanent rear wheel drive. The road going mpg is approx. 8MPG. The vehicle pump is a SIGMUND FN4 capable of 900 gallons a minute (4019. 7 ltrs). The Coventry Climax is capable of pumping 300 gallons a minute (1364 ltrs). The fire engine also has ladders measuring 1 x 35ft and 1 x 15ft. The cab sits 6 commanded by a senior NCO or officer. Two crews for each vehicle providing 24 hour cover.
Q: Is it road registered?
A: The vehicle if fully UK registered with Modern V5c available. As well as this there is a stack of paper work with a list of past work done, and many parts. The vehicle also comes with a new unused steering arm and two new track rod ends. The ones currently on the vehicle are NOT in need of replacement.
Q: Overall?
A: Find another. Find one better. This is a truly unique chance to purchase one of Britain's most well known fire engines. Remember this fire engine is not just pretty to look at but it is fully kitted out with working gear, now for a vehicle of 61 years old. This vehicle served in Northern Ireland during both recent fireman's strikes (Operation Fresco) and was manned by soldiers from the 1st Battalion Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire regiment and 1st Royal Highland Fusillisers.
We've previously sold one spectacular Thornycroft flat bed waggon (1947) to the Orkney islands. It sold quickly so don't let this one slip through your fingers. This vehicle has serious potential for wedding hire or a pop up bar (retaining all original parts of course). Great advertisement vehicle. Send your business to new heights with this 1957 Green Goddess.
NATIONWIDE DELIVERY AVAILABLE CALL OR TEXT FOR QUOTE.
Please view video link. ( available upon request ). This vehicle needs seeing to be appreciated.
Additional info can be seen at - details above
