Q. What vehicle do you drive?
A. Morris Commercial Fire Engine manufactured in 1939.
Q. How long have you had it?
A. Since 1986.
Q. How much did it cost?
A. Nothing. When it came off the road in 1969, 15 of the former works firemen got together and formed a club and looked after the fire engine. Somebody borrowed it one day and was doing about 60mph when there was a fault. They repaired it but it happened again so it was left at the plant for about 10 years. When the fire services manager asked if we could take it off the site, I asked if we wanted to reform the club or sell the engine on; in which case, I’d have it. They let me have it for free.
Q. What work have you done to the vehicle? How much did it cost to repair?
A. We’ve refurbished the engine, brakes, tyres and paintwork at a cost of about £2,500.
Q. Why did you get this particular vehicle?
A. I owned part of the vehicle and the vehicle was about to be scrapped.
Q. What do you like most about it?
A. I went to fires on it. As the fifth pump for Oxford city we fought the big fire in Co-op in George Street.
Q. What irritates you most about it?
A. Cleaning all the brass!
Q. Is it good value for money?
A. Yes. There are only four models with a Mayweather Hatfield reciprocating pump in Britain and one of them is on the Queen’s estate in Sandringham.
Q. Does it have a name?
A. My grandaughter named it Dougal after the character from the Magic Roundabout.
Q. What is your favourite memory of the vehicle?
A. Taking it out after it had been repaired and the look on people’s faces.
Q. And your worst?
A. Breaking down on Heyford Hill roundabout.
Q. If you could own any vehicle what would it be?
A. A Bentley Continental.
Q. What was your first car? How much did it cost and how long did you own it?
A. A Ford 8, it cost £12.10s.
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