These were the series which were replaced by the first Ford D series fire appliances ever sold, which started in 1966, and which include the example in the front of this photo. Although very popular with fire brigades in the fifties, by the mid sixties the Commers were a bit long in the tooth and were considered by Gloucestershire and many other brigades to be both a bit underpowered and not so hot when it came to long term durability.
Many had already switched to Bedford, especially after the TK series was introduced in 1960, and then Ford started to be very competitive with the tilt cab D series after 1966. The earliest deliveries were all water tenders, along with one foam tender. The much less common units designed to carry escapes came along a few years later.
Many had already switched to Bedford, especially after the TK series was introduced in 1960, and then Ford started to be very competitive with the tilt cab D series after 1966. The earliest deliveries were all water tenders, along with one foam tender. The much less common units designed to carry escapes came along a few years later.
Added by Rob Johnson on 05 August 2023.