A COUPLE who have lovingly restored a 1937 fire engine are preparing for their piece of history to finally hit the streets of Southend this summer. 

Mason, 55, and Karen West, 47, have spent more than three years trying to restore the old fire engine to its former glory after buying it from one of their friends.

The vintage vehicle is now fully restored and the couple, from Leigh, are hoping it will be hitting the road this summer as they plan to take it to a series of classic car shows. 

The fire engine, an AMO654, has had its engine and radiator completely restored with original parts, along with being repainted, the brass polished and fitted with new tyres and a new hosepipe.

Although the process has been long, it has all been worth it according to Karen. 

Reborn: The historic truck has taken more than three years to be restored.Reborn: The historic truck has taken more than three years to be restored. (Image: Karen West)  

She said: “When Mason first bought it, I was like – what the hell has he gone and done, it was so random. But now after going through the whole process and restoring the truck, I’ve really fallen in love with her.

“When we originally went to get it restored in 2021 at SEC works in Faversham, they told us it would take a year but after they did more inspection and saw how much needed to be changed it ended up taking more than three  years.

“We tried to source all original parts which isn’t easy for a 1937 truck but it has all been worth it to see her restored to her former glory. It is so incredible to own this big piece of history

“We are both so excited to show her off now. We want to take her to classic car shows and also take the grandchildren for a ride on it.

“I hope we aren’t called to put out any fires.”

Reborn: Karen claims the truck was last used in 1970 and was registered in Berskhire.Reborn: Karen claims the truck was last used in 1970 and was registered in Berskhire. (Image: Karen West)

The couple are still trying their best to piece together the vehicle’s history and are looking for anyone that can help them 

“At the moment there is not a lot we know about her. I’ve managed to find out that she was last used in 1970 and was in service in Berkshire. 

“She’s also quite a famous girl, she was in one of the Benny Hill sketches.

“We hope that once we take her out and people see her, they can help us to find out more.”