Fire Engines Photos

I think the British four number + two letter number plate dates from around 1962, just before the single letter annual suffix system was introduced.

So, if this vehicle is a 1954, it may have been re-registered?

The full-width aluminium grille, along with the larger nameplate and horizontal chrome trim, were not installed on Commers in 1954, but were both introduced together several years later. Of course, this appliance may have had the later grille and badges fitted after an accident or as an effort at modernization.

The bodywork is Carmichael, or a direct copy. It was first introduced in 1950/51, with the distinctive double-handled slam locker over the rear axle. Roller shutters were optional, but rare, and also first introduced later.

The colour is a total mystery!

Sorry to add uncertainty rather than to help make things clearer, but this one does seem to have a few puzzling aspects to its history!

Added by Rob Johnson on 14 November 2013.

The Commer is qx was built in 1959/60, bodywork by Jennings of Sandbach. I own its sister truck 2998 vf also pictured on this site, the colour is correct for Fort Dunlop fire service.

Added by Dave Chown on 04 December 2013.

All,
Many thanks for your comments on my photograph, looks like I got the year of manufacture wrong.
I think I got 1954 from the show programme, anyway I have now amended my records.
Had it been built in 1954 the letters on the registration would have been before the number.
Regards,
Steve

Added by Steve Prosser on 09 December 2013.

It replaced a 1939 Commer Karrier Q3 Merryweather Reg No FXH 883 at the Speke works which was sold in August 1959

Added by on 25 June 2014.

it must have been built after 59 due to the grill design and badge not being available till the revisions introduced at that years commercial motor show

Added by Alan on 26 June 2014.

Was’nt this a demonstrator at the time of the government selecting a preferred chassis for the AFS which Bedford was awarded the contract for to build the green goddesses?

Added by Andy on 17 February 2019.

Andy - If this was built in 1959 - which is suggested by the full width grille - it would have been a lot later than the AFS Green Goddesses.

Added by Rob Johnson on 07 March 2019.

Brilliant, I was told some years ago, 1995 when this old girl was at Nuneaton’s Open day, that it was a prototype.

Added by Andy on 08 March 2019.

Hi this is a confirmed 1959 (Commer records at Dunstable) Commer QX 4.6 Petrol. Body is by Jennings Sandbach. It was the works fire appliance for the Dunlop factory in Speke Liverpool. Bought by a private collector in 1994ish from Kevin Dennis of Wainfleet near Skegness with 10,500 miles on the clock. Colour is correct . Attended many local shows around Warwickshire in the mid 1990's. Reg number is original and accepted by Dvla. Appliance was sold to an enthusiast in Lincolnshire - current whereabouts unknown.

Ed: try Martin Huckle owner of Buckdales Recovery, Bedford acc to FLICKR

Added by Anna Yates on 04 May 2022.

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