1955 Dennis F8

This was one of the vehicles that took part in the Greater Manchester Transport Society's Trans Lancs Historic Vehicle Rally in Heaton Park, Manchester in September 1988.

It isn't listed in the programme of the event, but it's a 1955 Dennis F8 fire engine. I've found that it was sold at auction by Bonhams in September 2005 and their description of the vehicle was as follows:

'1955 DENNIS F8 4.5-LITRE FIRE ENGINE

REGISTRATION NO. JTY 551

CHASSIS NO. 4158F8

The name of Dennis Bros is inextricably linked with the manufacture of public service vehicles and more especially with the Fire Service. This petrol-engined tender was supplied new to the Northumberland County Fire Brigade and served at Rothbury during its operational life, later moving to Bellingham where it served as a backup water bowser for the Kielder Forest. The coachwork is by Alfred Miles Ltd, constructed to a special order when it was remodelled circa 1958 to provide an enclosed rear body. This body houses two Godiva FWMP pumps by Coventry Climax and is remarkably comprehensively equipped with all the essential nozzles and hoses, ladders, flashing blue lamps and searchlights. The crew cab seats six including the driver. Regularly rallied both in Yorkshire and further afield while in the hands of its preceding owner from 1991 until 1998, the vehicle was purchased by the current owner at Bonhams & Brooks’ Harrogate Sale on 15th November 2001 (Lot 451). Restored in September 2002, it is offered with Swansea V5 registration document and is both licence exempt under the historic rules and MoT exempt as an operational fire tender. Fire appliances are an ever-popular attraction at classic transport shows and other events, and this wonderful Dennis has been the lead vehicle at the Morpeth Fair for the past three years.'

According to the DVLA record it's not been taxed since that auction.