Dennis F44 Surrey Fire Brigade (Cranleigh)Dennis F44, Rolls Royce B81 & Allison Auto Gearbox, Surrey Fire Brigade.
Photograph taken when stationed at Cranleigh Fire Station.
Many thanks to Tutty of www.cranleigh-fire-station.co.uk for giving permission for this photograph to be shared (have a look at their sight for a few other pictures of classic Surrey machines).
I believe that 30 Dennis F44´s were made and that Surrey Fire Brigade had at least 2 and maybe 5 of them.
For me, this is ultimate Dennis look of the period (and Surrey´s specification helped get it just right), due in part to that pronounced brow above the windscreen (note the unusual siting of the two tones included here)
The bow of the front gave a great side profile.
Thin, arched straps of metal gave protection to the beacons.
The two horizontal bars on the left hand side of the radiator grill, were for affixing L plates.
The bumper was originally in a chrome finish.
I believe that, this vehicle ended it´s days parked alongside an ex Essex? Karrier and an assortment of agricultural and commercial vehicles, within a wooded area of a field adjacent to the B3000 (in between Compton & Godalming, Surrey) progressively deteriorating and failing to sell in sporadic auctions held by the owner, until one day it and the Karrier disappeared. Where did they go?
For a short period I owned the sister machine WPD 236G (which was also stationed at one time at Cranleigh).
I would be really pleased to hear if anyone knows of any of the Surrey F44´s where abouts.
John
Picture added on 22 October 2007
Added by Ian Moore on 23 October 2007.