Fire Engines Photos

The Gypsy fire tender was promoted as an Austin Motor Company product and had its own brochure (I had one) although of course another firm presumably converted them. The pump was a Coventry Climax 500 gpm unit.

Added by Rob Johnson on 15 May 2020.

With the unique exception of Cornwall - which had a long history of using Austin fire appliances - the Gypsy fire tender was almost exclusively bought by private factory brigades.

Available in two wheelbases, it had the very compact but powerful front mounted pump, a 225 or 320 liter water tank, a hosereel, lockers to hold up to 275 meters of 70mm hose, a short extension ladder, and seating for four crew members - although some were two seaters with additional space for extra items in the rear.

As such, it was an inexpensive first response unit for industrial and commercial premises, with modest off road capabilities if needed. It also fit between the short and long wheelbase Land Rovers at the time, but even so it sold in very small numbers.

The AFS also had some standard units as general purpose vehicles, but I have no idea how many...

Added by Rob Johnson on 16 May 2020.

This was ex Isle of Man fire service 601MN and was imported to the UK where it had to be re-registered.

see

www.flickr.com/photos/homer----simpson/4138524008/

Added by Evan on 11 January 2025.

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