Excerpts from Haixusa.com:
There's something undeniably nostalgic about the old snorkel fire truck that always draws a crowd wherever it goes. This particular U.S. fire truck served the New Lenox Fire Protection District, located southwest of Chicago, for 45 years, making it a true legend in its own right.
Haix USA photo
In 2016, Ewald Haimerl, former CEO of HAIX®, made a bold move by purchasing the New Lenox Snorkel and bringing it all the way from the U.S. to Germany. The journey was no small feat — starting with a 1,200-mile drive from Illinois to the Port of Charleston, South Carolina. Due to its massive size and low fuel efficiency, the truck had to make multiple stops along the way, especially through the rugged Appalachian Mountains. Along the route, it also faced several police checks, not just because of its slow speed, but because of its sheer size and historical significance. Once in Charleston, it was shipped across the Atlantic to Bremerhaven, where it got stuck in customs for a week before finally arriving at HAIX®’s headquarters in Mainburg after a 7-hour trip. Since then, the truck has undergone extensive restoration and is now fully operational once again.
Among the many treasures in HAIX®’s vintage fleet, the most eye-catching is a GMC pumper built in 1942. Originally commissioned on a U.S. airbase in Sweden, this vehicle is the oldest in the collection. It served for over 30 years on a U.S. Air Base in northern Sweden before being stored for a while at a used car dealership. HAIX® later restored it, turning it into a convertible that’s now a star at trade shows and events, especially when the top is open.
The Ford TK, built in 1949, has been part of the HAIX Oldtimer Fleet since late 2018. Before joining the collection, it was used as a promotional vehicle by an insurance company in Georgia. Meanwhile, the Opel Blitz from 1965 is often used for transporting people, with room for up to eleven passengers, including the driver.
In addition to the four fire engines, the HAIX fleet also includes two "Young Timers" — police vehicles that are relatively newer compared to the rest. These include a 1995 Chevrolet Impala 300 SS and a 1993 Harley Davidson police motorcycle. Both have interesting stories behind them.
The Chevrolet Impala was originally used by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) as a backup patrol car before being retired. It was later driven to the Swiss honorary consul in Zurich, then passed through private hands and eventually arrived at HAIX® in Mainburg. Its comfort and siren still attract attention at local events, adding a touch of nostalgia and excitement.
HAIX® continues to preserve the legacy of vintage fire trucks and police cars, and they’re always looking for more unique pieces to add to their growing collection. Whether it's a classic fire engine or a retro police car, each one tells a story worth remembering.
As the saying goes, “The past is never really gone; it’s just waiting to be rediscovered.â€
from Chicagoareafire.com
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