Unique 1950s Fire Vehicle, Deemed Insufficiently Rapid, Set for Auction

A distinctive 1950s fire vehicle, described as a “one-off,” is scheduled for auction nearly five decades after its decommissioning. Richard Wallis, a resident of Gimingham, Norfolk, acquired the Rolls Humber Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) during his twenties while employed at Cranfield Airport in Bedfordshire. Hansons Auctioneers will conduct the sale of the 1950s vehicle this Saturday, with an estimated value reaching up to £20,000. Mr Wallis stated, “There is no other fire appliance like this in the world; it is truly a one-off.” Prior to its decommissioning in the 1970s, the RIV was also stationed at Kempston fire station, also located in Bedfordshire. Originally an army cargo truck, it underwent conversion to become an RIV fire truck, equipped with a Rolls-Royce motor. Mr Wallis, aged 65, explained: “It’s a rapid intervention vehicle and, sadly, it was not rapid enough to meet the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) requirements.” He further noted, “It had to be decommissioned because it was not fast enough to go from the station out to a crash site.” During his work on the vehicle, Mr Wallis discovered the original certificate issued by its constructing engineers. In his twenties, while residing with his parents, Mr Wallis dedicated time to the vehicle, showcasing it at various events. He indicated that it is now time for the vehicle to be “moved on.” He expressed his hope, “It wants to go to somebody who is going to love it and cherish it, that’s the main thing; someone who will look after it and not chop and change it, and look after it and show it off.” Mr Wallis further remarked, “It deserves to be seen and not sitting underneath this wonderful shed under a cover.” He concluded, “I would like to see it again at some show, certainly… it’s taken up a lot of my time in the early years.”