Austin K4 Fire Engine • Eden Camp

Current Condition

Appears Good

Vehicle History

Registered in 1941, GJJ 833 did not enter service until March 1942, when it joined the National Fire Service, Scottish South Western Area No.2 at Ardrossian, Barr Street. Originally built to Home Office specifications as an ECU (Escape Carrying Unit), GJJ 833 was re-bodied in 1947 as what is believed to be a unique example of its type, a "limousine-style" pump-escape.
At this stage, with the disbandment of the National Fire Service, the appliance came under the auspices of the Scottish, South Western Area Fire Brigade, into whose livery it has been restored.
In October 1953, it was transferred to Stranraer where it ran as a major pump until the 1960's when it became a reserve appliance. In 1972, GJJ 833 was traded in to Inch Motors of Stranraer for £500.
Discovered rotting, in a timber yard, by a fire service sub-officer from Androssian, GJJ was acquired and removed to his garden where it continued to rot.
Acquired in very poor condition by David Smith, a Driffield Antiques dealer and retired leading fire-fighter (Humberside Brigade), in June 1984. It has undergone extensive restoration, which is still an ongoing process.
There is very strong evidence that the appliance has covered less than 15,000 miles since its construction.
In May 1992, GJJ 833 completed the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society's annual London to Brighton Run, travelling under its own power from Driffield (East Yorks) to Brighton and back. A round trip of 615 miles.
[From Museum Plaque]