1950 Autocar. Colonie Fire Department, as it was known then, purchased this Autocar in 1950 for the sum of $18,122.50. The Autocar was the Department's second engine, replacing their first engine, a 1931 Ahrens-Fox.
The framework that now exits over the hose bed and booster reels are not original, but added in the late 1950's to accommodate a 40" wooden extension ladder. The Autocar came equipped with one siren mounted on the fender. This proved to be inadequate, as the engine was louder than the siren. To remedy this situation, an identical siren was added to the opposite fender shortly after delivery. The booster/hose reels behind the cab were also changed early in the life of this apparatus. The pump is a Hale 600 GPM-3 stage, 400 gallon booster tank/2 reels each 200 ft. The original color of the apparatus was Colonie's trademark color: "1947 Cadillac Cream". The Autocar was later sold to the Earlton Fire Department in Greene County, NY.
In 1992 the apparatus was purchased by 98.5 FM "The Cat" radio station and used as its promotional vehicle, appearing in many parades and events. Unfortunately, the engine of the vehicle seized in August of 2001. The radio station wanted to insure this vehicle, with its classic lines and style, did not end up in the scrapyard, so they generously donated it to the FASNY Museum.