1960 Commer Karrier Gamecock Fire Tender

• First in service with East Sussex Fire Brigade
• Sold into private ownership in 1976
• Restored between 2010 and 2022 by Michael Garrett of Kent
• Substantial file of paperwork

Founded in South London in 1905 and established as commercial vehicle manufacturers at its new Luton factory the following year, Commercial Cars Limited did not acquire the now familiar 'Commer' name until 1926 when Humber took control. Two years later Humber/Commer joined Hillman in Rootes' rapidly expanding empire, the acquisition marking the group's entry into the commercial vehicle market. Under Rootes' management the Commer range was rationalised and modernised, with smaller models' chassis, engines and running gear shared with Rootes' passenger cars, and in 1932 the firm became the first in the UK to offer diesel engines as an option.
In 1934 the Huddersfield-based Karrier Motor Company was taken over by Rootes; Karrier production was moved to Luton and the company's activities merged with those of Commer. Under Rootes' ownership, Karrier's trucks were generally smaller than Commer's, the Gamecock models having 16" wheels to achieve a lower loading platform. These vehicles were designed for local authorities and their various applications, including highway maintenance, refuse collection and street lighting maintenance, while many served as fire appliances, as seen here. Others were used as coaches or ambulances.
'SAP 201' was first allocated to the East Sussex Fire Brigade's Mayfield Fire Station in April 1960, moving to Rye Fire Station and then Wadhurst Fire Station before being consigned to the reserve fleet in 1971. In 1974 the vehicle was transferred to West Sussex Fire Brigade's reserve fleet before being sold in 1976.
There is then a gap in its known history, which recommences in 1989 when 'SAP 201' belonged to Courtauld's Chemicals in Coventry, who kept it until 1993. Disappearing from view again, 'SAP 201' resurfaced in 2000 in the ownership of Phil Meaney of Manchester. It subsequently passed through the hands of two more owners (see list on file) before being purchased in 2010 by Michael Garrett who undertook a detailed restoration over 12 years before purchase by our vendor in early 2022.
This 3-4 ton E-series Gamecock chassis with Carmichael coachwork is powered by a 4.75-litre six-cylinder engine. It has a Dennis No. 2 pump (untested); a Coventry Climax FWB portable pump; Francis searchlight; various hoses, etc. It also has the original Ajax 35ft timber elliptical extending ladder included in the sale but not shown in the photographs as it is currently being renovated off site. 'SAP 201' comes with extensive paperwork to include workshop manuals, handbooks, wiring diagrams, original specifications, historic photographs, restoration invoices, and a full inventory of equipment.