What kind of vehicle does a 30-year firefighting veteran keep in the garage? Well, a 1979 ACCO 2150 International Double Cab Fire Engine of course!
Our Southland reporters have a quick chat with owners Roger Sutton and Jill Randell about their more unique form of transport.
Name: Roger Sutton and Jill Randell
From: Glencoe, Southland
When and why did acquire it? Last year… Jill told me to buy it
What is the vehicle’s history? It was built in Aussie and used in Auckland, number 491. It seats seven people. It ended up in Waipawa, in the North Island, in a farmer’s shed
Has it been altered it in any way? It’s had some love
What’s it like to drive? It’s a fire engine
Where’s your favourite stretch of road? Anywhere in the South Island
Top speed? 100km/h… maybe… it’s a fire engine…
Best driving experience? Road trip home from Waipukurau, in the North Island, five days, and weekend drives
Worst driving experience? Doing something wrong when a police officer is watching
What other vehicles of note have you owned? Champion grader 680 with a 6V71 Detroit, Jill’s John Deere 2305 lawn mower, Dad’s horse-drawn wagon utes, Internationals
Describe your driving style: Safely, with respect for other people’s driving style
What was the first vehicle you ever bought? Austin Mini
Do you belong to any clubs/fire brigades? Hedgehope Rural Fire
How long have you been a firefighter? 30 years
What has been your best experience as a firefighter? Saving people’s property if we can, and deployments in New Zealand and to Aussie and Canada
Engine: Cummins 555 V8 9 litres
Transmission: Alison five-speed automatic
Colour: Red and White
Southland Express.
