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I too have tried to find info on this as well Garry but have drawn a blank even with my Son in Law a Station Officer in the MFS (Was SAF
It doesn't even get much of a mention in the History of the SAFire Service 1840- 1982 "Muscle & Pluck Forever".
I used to work at a firm of Signwriters/Painters next to the HQ Engine Room (Lykkes) in my younger days & would see it be driven around the City block at the start of the day shift as they always did each day to ensure all appliances were serviceable.
I recall when it was first into service there was a typical hue & cry about the cost of such an extravagant means of transport for the Chief Officer, Jock Whyte & his personal Fireman Driver but when they got to a fire ground before the main appliances & were able to rescue a young child, the criticism appeared to cease.
It was often on display at SAFB Open days & I seem to recall it carrying a couple of Fire extinguishers & some rescue tools in the boot.
Not only was it fitted with Lights & Siren (not 100% sure about the lights now) on the front but with 2 way radio as well, a novel thing back then. The base antenna was on top of the old Savings bank of SA (now Bank SA) but comms these days are through the SA Govt Radio Network (GRN) with statewide coverage.
I have been after a photo of it for my records & even MFS Archives can't assist, but they could with Suburban Fire Station photos of the day. Your guess.
It cost the 'outrageous' price of 1450 quid & was adapted to suit for some hundreds of pounds to replace the 1935 Dodge whick Jock Whyte had used for his 'Turnout Car' & was referred to "A glamorous vehicle for a Playboy rather than dignified transport for a Fire Chief" & Councillor Cooper saw Whyte drive along the streets on the day of delivery & said "it was most impressive sight .... giving those people who saw it a feeling of vast confidence in the Fire Brigade"
Supposedly could do "132mph but was not supposed to be quicker than a V8" ..and..it's the sort of thing you expect to see Clark Gable in".
One Council complained about the expense & was told that "their contribution to the Jaguar was only seven shillings & sixpence per year for 10 years"
I would love a photo of this car if you are able to locate one somewhere. Maybe the newspapers of the day could assist more, ie The Advertiser, The News for apx 1950-51.
Hope this is of some help to you.
Update. Have just spoken by phone to one of the co-authors of the book at the MFS & he is going to fix me up with a few photos of the Jag. He reckons he can probably lay his hands on about half a dozen.
Watch this space or I can send them on to you.
Originally Posted by garrycol
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