As urban buildings began to stretch towards the skies, the need for equipment that could force water several stories up towards a fire became more and more important. At one time the tallest buildings that fire fighters might have had to deal with were silos out in the farming regions. But by the 1930s, the tall city buildings offered a new challenge. Moreover, as the Depression reverberated throughout the world and caused hard times in countries far and near, situations that could cause fires became even more prevalent, such as overcrowded housing and makeshift fires for cooking and heating. Fire companies had to be particularly vigilant. One effective weapon to fight fires in taller buildings was the high-pressure truck. With one or more pressurized water guns, fire fighters could force water to a blaze with more accuracy and power. A popular truck used for the purpose was the 1932 Ford Model AA. In 1932, Henry Ford unveiled his flathead V-8 engines and made them affordable. This latter consideration was important in these years and allowed those departments with funds for a new truck to purchase a Model AA with the power of V-8 - essential in getting to a cenflagration quickly.

Now a legendary 1932 Ford Model AA, outfitted as a High Pressure Truck, is recreated in a highly detailed die-cast model. Complete with rotating water guns, bells, spotlights and a control panel, your 1932 Ford Model AA High Pressure Fire Truck is part of The International Fire Engine Collection: The Specialized Vehicles Edition. This authentic replica is produced by - and available only from - Matchbox Collectibles.

Scale: 1:45