Charterhouse Auctioneers in Dorset are well known for unearthing interesting and old classic cars and motorbikes, but a recent visit to a large barn in Somerset unearthed a brace of fire engines, one of which gave Somerset many years of service, and they are both entered into the Charterhouse auction of classic cars and motorbikes on Sunday 8th November at The Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet.
“It is a large complex of barns and the vendor has put the property on the market and is looking to downsize. Throughout the barns there are old red painted fire buckets, odd hoses and nozzles, other fire related accessories, two fire tenders and the two large red fire engines.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “The first fire engine I looked at is an late 1940’s American La France fire engine which bears the livery from an American fire department in Canton, Ohio and the second proudly bears the Porlock Fire Brigade inscription.”
Both vehicles have been barn stored and have not turned a wheel for a couple of decades now and will no doubt require some re commission work to get them back on the road, with the good new being they are both tax exempt and as fire engines do not require an MOT. Estimating these big boys toys is difficult as not everyone wants one or can accommodate them, but the Somerset engine is valued at £800-1,500, and the American La France £3,000-5,000 and both engines will be offered for auction without any reserve whatsoever.
Charterhouse is now taking further entries for auction of classic cars and motorbikes in November. Other entries include the historically important Morris Minor Million for £25,000-30,000, a racing Norton motorbike at £15,000-18,000 and a racing MV Augusta motorbike for £40,000-45,000.
For further information regarding this sale, or to arrange a free home visit if you would like to enter a vehicle, call Matthew Whitney at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 812277 or via email [email protected].
