The Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Company was a manufacturer of firefighting equipment and vehicles, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They were known for producing high-quality fire engines, including their iconic Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine, which was popular among fire departments across the United States. The company went through several ownership changes before ceasing production in 1977, but their products remain highly sought after by collectors and firefighting history enthusiasts.
History
The company Ahrens-Fox was founded in 1910 in Cincinnati, Ohio by John P. Ahrens and Charles P. Fox. They started by producing firefighting accessories, including steam pumps pulled by horses, and later added motor vehicles and fire engines to their product line. The brand name was Ahrens-Fox, and in 1913, they also produced passenger cars intended for the directors of fire brigades, although all six vehicles ended up going to the Cincinnati Fire Department. In 1951, Walter Walkenhorst bought the company and later sold it to the CD Beck Company in 1953. Mack Trucks took over the company in 1956, and in 1957, the Ahrens-Fox brand name was abandoned. Throughout its history, just over 900 vehicles were built. Richard C. Nepper purchased the company in 1961 and produced a small number of additional vehicles until 1977.
