Model “F” Touring

Restoration on this extremely rare vehicle is nearly complete. It has taken 2 1/2 years of complete dedication from a small group of volunteers to reach this exciting point. The final completion date is scheduled for the summer of 2005.

The very first San Jose Fire Chief’s car was a 1908 Stutz. It is unknown if the 1905 Cadillac was ever used as a Fire Chief’s car. Although it’s clear this car has a colorful history, the complete story is still being sought by the museum’s historians. We do know that this gem has been a prominent fixture of the San Jose Fire Department for the last 30 years. Most long term veterans and retirees will remember this rig from its time in the Fire Department Shop. Former Master Mechanic, and prior Muster Team President, Don Wisinski stored this car right outside his office for years. Unfortunately Don passed away in 1995 and his knowledge of the Cadillac was not documented.

Don Wisinski, Sam Siebert and several other key members of the San Jose Fire Department were instrumental in acquiring apparatus and vehicles for historical purposes. Because they had the foresight to save this vehicle, we are now extremely close to adding this fabulous 1905 Cadillac to the museum’s restored inventory.

For perspective, consider the 1905 Cadillac was purchased just 15 years after the horse drawn 1890 Amoskeag Steamer was put into service, the 1906 earthquake was still a year away, and San Jose’s first motorized fire apparatus would not be purchased until 1913. Recently a 1903 Cadillac, Model “A” was offered for sale on the net. The author of this site claims this vehicle to be the oldest known Cadillac in existence, and the first Cadillac ever in the state of California. Go to this link http://www.stoneaire.com/1903cadillac_main.html to see just how special these vehicles are.