http://www.myclassiccar.com/MCCTV/2005Season/10014/leno.shtml
Jay then took us to a remarkable vehicle, a 1941 American LaFrance Fire Truck! Jay said these vehicles are really a bargain, and this one certainly was. Originally this truck was the Warner Brothers lot truck. In the 1950s, it was used by the city of Burbank . Then in the 1960s, it sat unused on the runway of Los Angeles International Airport for nearly four decades. It was ready to be hauled away until Jay rescued it and had it restored to be one cool cruiser. First of all, the exterior paint and restoration was remarkable with all free-hand custom pinstriping. Under the hood rests the original 30¬? V-12 overhead cam engine that produces 265 horsepower. Jay said that the engine has not been rebuilt because, when he acquired the truck, it only had 11,000 miles on it! Other custom work on the truck has been the removal of the 1 ¬? ton water tank, and replacing it with a custom lift gate to load motorcycles or several of one's closest friends! This is truly a car that can carry everyone to lunch at one time, and what a great idea! That is exactly what Jay, Dennis, and the crew went to experience. While the weather was a bit cloudy, Jay assured everyone that it was not going to rain. So, off they went with sirens blaring and horns blasting. Well, so much for Jay's career as a weatherman. Shortly into the journey, the skies opened up and the gang was forced to return to the garage. While on the trip, Jay remarked just how fun this true lead-sled is to drive. It cruises comfortably at 70-75 miles per hour. As far as maneuvering it in and out of city traffic, Jay joked that it was no problem. ‚ÄúPeople get out of the way,‚Äù Jay said with a smile on his face.
