L&L #2610 1915 American LaFrance Speedster "Rhino" by Penn Dutch Restorations

[Otto Puzzell]

For one point: what is it, and who built it?

Only a correct, complete and specific answer will earn a point; tag-on's to other guesses will not. So, be specific and complete!
 

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[Otto Puzzell]

Up

[fyreline]

1915 American LaFrance Speedster owned by Richard E. Prizer, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania. This car was converted from an American LaFrance fire engine (which accounts for its massive size and elegant proportions).  There is quite a bone of contention between antique fire engine collectors concerning the conversion of these ever-more-scarce fire apparatus into these types of speedsters . . . although American LaFrance and other fire apparatus manufacturers did build a few on their own, many, many more exist today than ever left the factories.

[Otto Puzzell]

What did he call it?

(Locked for you!)

[fyreline]

Penn Dutch Restorations made a radiator badge for it that says "Rhino". That has actually evolved into a somewhat generic term for these types of conversions. And again, the antique fire engine community is not that happy about them. It's amazing how many old fire engines are instantly deemed "unrestoreable" to justify cutting them up into these creations. Sure, it's a lot easier than restoring the vehicle correctly - but that doesn't make it right.

[Otto Puzzell]

That's it.

IMO if  Prizer had the wherewithal to request and pay for this project, it's entirely his right. If a Fire Engine enthusiast has the money to restore one to original spec, that's cool, too.

[fyreline]

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Anyone with the wherewithal could convert Lamborghini Miuras into pickup trucks, too. Sure, it's their money, so it's their choice. Doesn't make it right.

[Otto Puzzell]

It's not my place to tell another what they can or cannot do with their car - that's not the America I've come to miss. 

[fyreline]

I entirely agree . . . but I don't have to condone or approve of it, either.