Land Rover FT6 Carmichael Cheshire County Fire Brigade

Land Rover FT6 Carmichael Cheshire County Fire Brigade

Emergency Fire vehicles by Land Rover, instantly recognisable from the front, complete with its distinctive radiator grille masked in silver out of black.

Undoubtedly, it will be of interest to Land Rover enthusiasts as something different in your line-up, as well as dedicated collectors of emergency vehicles. Carmichael's Land Rover Redwing FT/6 conversion with forward control configuration was first introduced in 1961 and provided a light four wheel drive fire appliance with extended cab to accommodate five fire-fighters.

The new machine, with built in pump and 140-gallon water tank proved an ideal light all terrain fire engine for county fire brigades such as Cheshire Fire Brigade and numerous private works fire brigades, where its small size permitted access to the more restricted areas of factory complexes.

The British Army Fire Service also adapted the type for use in its British and overseas bases and a rescue tender version was also offered on the same chassis. Many others were sold to overseas fire brigades including those in Malaya, New Zealand and Trinidad.

The vehicle was superseded in the mid 1970s by another Carmichael conversion, this time on a six-wheel Range Rover chassis.

This model, decorated in the livery as used by the Cheshire County Fire Brigade and working out of Bollington, is registered 557 WTU and comes in the familiar bright red which carries through to the wheels and the interior. Silver masking is applied to the sides and rear of the vehicle, as well as to ladders, wheel bases and hose ends.

Above the cab, added detail comprises a blue roof beacon and chrome spotlight. The bell is also finished in chrome and the model is mounted on a black chassis.