Bedford J3LC2 fire engine (tanker), 1963, Parkano

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Have you dreamed of owning a genuine fire engine since you were a child? Now is the time to make that dream come true! This charming 1963 Bedford tanker is being sold on consignment on behalf of its owner. The safety level in this owner's neighbourhood will rise to an entirely different level compared with similar households on a street without a fire engine.

The rear firefighting equipment can be removed with little effort, so you could turn this into a car transporter or build a wooden-bed advertising vehicle for your business if you do not want to drive it as it is. Alternatively, the rear could be converted into a scenic café or summer terrace, with convenient access via the loading ramp at the back. Imagine the possibilities! NOTE: A C1 driving licence is sufficient to drive this.

The vehicle records indicate that an alteration inspection is required, meaning that at minimum the siren and warning beacons must be removed or disguised and the vehicle must undergo an alteration inspection before being put into traffic. The most recent inspection was carried out in 2006, but the vehicle was last driven approximately 10 years ago. It is equipped with a large water tank, and the rear has a removable portable water pump based directly on the engine of a Volkswagen Beetle. The water-pump engine was used a few years ago and has now been checked with a starting crank to confirm that it is not seized. The vehicle itself has a 3.5-litre straight-six engine, which turned nicely on the starter motor but did not start due to a lack of spark (the distributor cap is very fragile, and a piece broke off when we tried to inspect the inside of the distributor). All pipes, hoses and connectors visible in the photographs are included with the vehicle. It is in very good condition underneath and structurally (see the underbody photographs), so a low-mileage fire engine like this is in a completely different league as a project compared with a lorry that has covered a million kilometres.

This vehicle is sold for repair or spares. The engine has no spark, the brakes are practically non-existent, and the battery and passenger-side windscreen wiper are completely missing. In addition, the cabin's right rear corner window is cracked, and there are understandably various other issues related to the vehicle's age and years of storage. The clutch is seized and does not disengage (it will probably free up when starting in gear with the rear axle raised). The equipment and actuators have not been tested, and not all faults were necessarily detected during the inspection. We recommend examining the photographs carefully; more detailed inspections can be carried out on site by separate arrangement.

Good luck with your bids! Ask for more information if needed or come and view it in person.