Beschreibung
This is a real find!!
1956 Fordson Thames 500E "Firefly" Foam Tender
These vehicles were built on a 3 ton Fordson 500 E chassis and bodied by Wadham brothers in Waterlooville. They were fitted with a 4 cylinder ohv petrol engine of 3611cc.
It carries 150 gallons of water and there is a separate 36 gallon foam compound tank. Also a Coventry Climax major pump and separate first aid hose reel pump
This particular example was supplied to the military and put into service at Bwe porton down. After this it was believed to of been used as a works vehicle at Petters of Hamble. It was then passed to its first private owner in 1983 who started carrying out various repairs etc to it including brake overhaul and repairs to the cab roof that were all completed. This was as far as it went and it was then stored in his dry garage since, so 35 years off the road and unused.
It is actually in very sound condition and would make a fairly easy project for somebody to complete. It comes complete with all its original fixtures and fittings including ladder, chrome search light and bell, hose reels and breathing apparatus to name but a few. From what I can understand it is all complete. The side rear panel is inside the cab. We have had the engine running briefly with the help of fresh fuel in carburettor
I have the V5 here and copy of the older log book, keys and dvla correspondence. It is all on dvla system with its original number that it still bears today.
This really is a lovely period vehicle that deserves to be recommissioned.
There are probably going to be people out there that know a lot more about these or this particular vehicle than me, I would be more than happy to hear from you even if you are not interested in buying it.
Vehicle to be collected also within 7 days. I can help with delivery at cost if that helps.
Please email us for further pictures or details or if you wish to come and view it. It is currently near Crawley, West Sussex.
Thank you for looking
