The Loire -Atlantique firefighters museum has a dream: to acquire a Hotchkiss-Guinard first aid from 1963. A participatory kitty has been opened.
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A Hotchkiss-Guinard first aid is a first aid fire van manufactured in France between 1954 and 1964. 75 units left the production lines. “It was an extraordinary vehicle. Almost sporty driving, always the first on an intervention. It was essential in the big cities ” , remembers Henri Blandin, a former Paris firefighter and member of the museum.
On board this red truck, six men, two large water tanks and 200 meters of pipes.
Today, the Loire-Atlantique fire brigade museum is appealing for donations to acquire one of these mythical machines. “It belonged to the collection of our late colleague, Alain Leterte. A former Nantes firefighter. His last wish was for his van to return to the museum in Nantes. He is currently in a hangar in the Landes, and is waiting for us “, specifies Loïc Renimel, secretary of the association and guide of the museum.
9,000 euros to collect
For 30 years, the museum has been collecting Archives from the Ancien Régime to the present day
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© Loire-Atlantique Fire Brigade Museum
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But this operation has a cost: between the purchase of the machine at 4,500 euros, transport and an overhaul, it is around 9,000 euros. Hence the launch a participatory pot on the Helloasso website. Donors have until May 25. To date, 20% of the sum has been collected.
This Hotchkiss-Guinard from 1963 would complete the collections of the Loire-Atlantique firefighters museum opened 30 years ago. The volunteers hope to be able to present their acquisition to the public during the European Heritage Days, on September 18 and 19. This weekend will also be an opportunity to celebrate the tercentenary of the first fire brigade in Nantes. One of the oldest in France.
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