1998 Bright Yellow Fire Engine Available for Sale

In a notable auction event taking place in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, a 1998 yellow fire engine is attracting considerable interest from fire apparatus enthusiasts and collectors alike. With a recorded mileage of 28,558, this vehicle, adorned with the designation “Engine 45” on its side, is expected to fetch a substantial price, currently standing at ,000. The auction is scheduled to conclude on September 26, and proceeds from the sale will benefit the borough.

The Downingtown Fire Department, which replaces its fire engines approximately every two decades, has determined that the time has come to retire this model. Chief Jack Law of the Downingtown Fire Department articulated that the borough’s fire apparatus was overdue for replacement, having purchased two new Pierce engines earlier this year, affectionately referred to by the chief as “twins.”

Fire trucks are in high demand, making them increasingly difficult to procure. Downingtown placed an order for these new engines in 2022, at a cost of 9,000 each, with a projected delivery timeframe of 2.5 years. The acquisition process involved significant logistical planning, with local officials making the journey to Appleton, Wisconsin for a final inspection prior to delivery last December.

The financial landscape for fire apparatus has undergone notable changes; Chief Law indicated that present-day iterations of the Pierce engines would command an estimated price of around .2 million each, coupled with an extended delivery timeframe of 3 to 4 years.

The fire engine currently up for auction boasts a 700-gallon water tank, making it particularly appealing for potential buyers. Originally, bidding for the engine commenced at ,000, positioning it as a lucrative opportunity for interested parties.

Interestingly, this yellow fire engine dates back to a time when, in the 1960s, one of Downingtown’s fire companies opted for yellow paint in hopes of enhancing visibility—an enduring decision that set a standard in the region. Additionally, another fire engine from 1994, painted in traditional red, has also been made available for auction.

Chief Law estimated that models like these would have retailed at approximately 0,000 when they were first acquired in the 1990s. He expressed optimism that local volunteer fire companies or collectors might take an interest in these vehicles, recognizing both their practical value and the legacy they represent.

As the auction progresses, there is a palpable mix of anticipation and nostalgia surrounding the sale of these fire engines, emblematic of Downingtown’s commitment to public safety and community heritage.

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