Fire Blitz

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

probably the completest, unmolested Blitz I have seen sitting in the back of a shed. Apart from having had a fire unit fitted, it is so complete, all the doors, dogbox WITH handhole cover, window bag, etc. Has a rear window canvas that looks original too. Only problem, it was difficult getting a photo to do it justice.
This makes it even more surprising that it was to be scrapped.
Current owner heard about its pending demise and was able to talk the owners into selling it to him instead. I get the impression that this was no mean feet, and one wonders what did make it to the scrap yard........
Rich.

[Keith Webb]

WO52 = Truck, 3-TON Garage (Aust).

How many more of these gems hide out in farmer's sheds I wonder?

Looking forward to seeing more pics once it's out of the shed. Thanks for sharing Richard!

[Ganmain Tony]

Nice find Richard,

I'm amazed by the canvas & helmet - would make another good resto of post war civilian service.

As you say, we as group would find it highly distressing if we knew what had been sent to scrap over the years.

I wonder if we could make some sort of representation to the larger scrap depots. Requesting that old Blitz's and the like be given a small amnesty??....

That they would be given scrap value plus 20% (for example) if they made the effort to notify one (or a few of us) that the truck was at their yard.

BEFORE it was turned into fence posts

What does everyone think???

[Phil Waterman]

Here is an approach that has worked in the States in smaller areas. That is getting to the guys in the business of collecting and hauling scrap, show them pictures of what you are looking for and basically post a bounty of $50-100 over the scrap value for every vehicle they help you find that is worth saving that you take.

This approach worked for on collector of CCKWs (Steve are you reading) in the past though I think it has pretty much dried up now.

Around here once they are at the next layer of scrap dealing it is to late.

Cheers Phil

[Mike Kelly]

Nice one

BUT I know a even better Chev on a property near Junee ... hard to belive its still in faded WW2 livery with bridge plate on it

In 1981 I came across a Ford, same cond. as Richards pic, ex fire truck, at Canowindra near Orange .. the owner planned to mount a huge compressor on it for mining use . Straight as a die it was .
MIKE

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Also on the same trip was these two very original GMC's. Not a barn find, but a Hayshed Find? Same thing but with more straw....
Raining heaps, and running late, so did not get out for a good look, however, they have not run for the last 10/15 years, owner has had them for some time, and will hang on to them for the forseeable future.
Really amazes me what is out there where you least expect it, also on farm was a pristine E-Type which is still driven with delight. Second owner (who has had it for42 years). Sorry to say that I was running late because the Jag was way more interesting than the GMC's.
Lots of Photo's of that....

Rich

[Keith Webb]

Good to see the GMCs are at least as loved as the hay... what stunning time capsules they are!

Of course the E-type could be painted an appropriate shade of green to come to the Year of the Oil Leak.

[Maurice Donckers]

If you look carefully at the front of the GMC`s there are Dutch army Indicators on the grill and side lights and reflectors under the mudguard`s
So somebody did some effort to get them transported from far away.

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Thanks Maurice,
did not know about the lighting differences. easily visible on my high res pic, even without the glasses....

Hi Keith, would have painted the jag "envy" green if I was allowed, would have been a perfect match for me.
Rich.