From the early bucket brigades to today's modern and powerful pumps and hydrants, moving water from a stored source to a raging fire has always been the cornerstone of fire fighting. In urban areas where an organized water system is often in place, fire departments need only to hook up to the source. But in more isolated areas a department often has to bring its own water. This is the reason for the development of the tanker truck. with the capacity to hold an enormous supply of water, these trucks were also often supplied with a pump as well, in order to unify both supply and propulsion. The tanker-pumper truck thus became an essential speciality vehicle in many fire departments. In the late 1940s, following the war, GMC produced a number of sturdy, reliable trucks that were often adapted to fire fighting needs. In 1948, the company offered to the public eight seperate series of trucks with wheelbases that ranged from 102 inches to 137 inches. GMC also produced a range of heavy duty trucks, including a reliable cab-over-engine (C.O.E.) model. It was this vehicle that was transformed into a tanker/pumper truck with the capacity of holding 2,500 to 3,000 gallons of water.

Now, the handsome 1948 GMC C.O.E. Tanker/Pumper Truck is outfitted with a ladder, fire extinguishers and connecting brass in a magnificent die-cast model. Meticulously crafted and loaded with a wealth of detail, the 1948 GMC C.O.E. Tanker/Pumper 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.

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