Speedster
Engine #: 4287
Established in Elmira, New York around 1873, the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company would soon become a leader in the industry building all types of fire engines. From hand-drawn to horse and steam-powered fire engines, American LaFrance would become one of the oldest manufacturers in the United States building equipment for the fighting of fires. In an industry where response and speed are of utmost importance, it would be little surprise their automobiles would be fire-breathers. American LaFrance would start out as LaFrance Manufacturing Company and would focus on building and selling hand-powered fire equipment. Then, in the early 20th century, the company would be building fire equipment utilizing steam for its power. The success of the company would lead to the American LaFrance Fire Engine Company being established in Elmira, New York in 1903. At this time, the internal combustion engine was gaining popularity and usefulness within a number of industries. American LaFrance would keep an eye on the new engine while it continued to produce its steam, horse-drawn, and hand-powered fire equipment. However, it wouldn't be long before the benefits of the new engine would become apparent.
This would lead the company into building engine-driven fire equipment. A natural progression from this would be the construction and assembly of automobiles. The company was already involved in the production of automobiles, just big apparatuses intended for fighting fires. But, what if one could manage to harness such a tremendous blaze? It would be entirely likely the resulting automobile would be nothing short of wild.