For those interested in learning more about the Engine 17 rig, updates and discussions are taking place on the Chicagoland Emergency Vehicle Show’s Facebook page. If you're considering purchasing this historic piece, feel free to send a private message to Facebook.com/ChicagolandEmergencyVehicleShow or leave a comment on this post.

CFD Engine 69 with numbering for both Backdraft Engines 17 and 51. Tom McCarthy photo

Where They Went…

• 80-287/D-372 E126 – Rehabbed to E122 – Crushed in Blue Island in 1994

• 80-288/D-373 E73 – To E103 4/2/81 – (Not Rehabbed) – Crushed at Cicero Iron in 1984

• 80-289/D-374 E8 – Rehabbed to E17/51/69 – Sold to Erickson Trucks-n-Parts 8/28/96

• 80-290/D-375 E106 – Rehabbed to E113 – Sold to Erickson Trucks-n-Parts 9/4/96

• 80-291/D-376 E22 – Rehabbed to E46 – Sold to Erickson Trucks-n-Parts 9/9/96 (Crushed)

• 80-292/D-377 E113 – This rig saw a lot of action as a shop's spare at T61, O'Hare, E34, E19, E109, and E72 – Rehabbed to E14 – Sold to Erickson Trucks-n-Parts 8/29/96

• 80-293/D-378 E49 – Rehabbed to E34 – Sold to a private party – Later sold to PA FD

Engine 17 on 4-4-2004.

E17’s Current Condition…

• The owner estimates that 75% of the rig remains intact, with 20% of parts needing to be purchased and 5% requiring fabrication.

• It features a complete Cummins NTF 365 Turbo-Diesel engine (365hp @ 2300 rpm).

• Missing an Allison HT70 6-speed overdrive transmission.

• Missing $1,100 worth of copper radiator cores — originally from Mesabi Radiator in Minnesota.

• Equipped with a Hale Q-2 2,000-GPM pump, which is non-functional. However, it includes a replacement PTO gear box, some pump valves, and gauges taken from E14. These can be rebuilt by SPAN Gauges in Wisconsin at $30 each, along with a new pump gasket set from Hale.

• Includes a 500-gallon water tank and a 140-gallon foam tank added during the refurbishment.

• Features a 50-gallon diesel tank.

• Measures 35 feet long with a 178-inch wheelbase.

• The original grille was removed but replaced with a high-quality reproduction.

• Still retains its original deck gun.

• Requires diamond plate and steel work, but comes with refurb blueprints from E-ONE.

• Original Imron paint is still present and could be repainted in a close match to the 68-69 Dodge red color.

• Includes 500 feet of 5-inch LDH hose.

• Functional lights, sirens, horns, and a period-correct Motorola radio are all included.

Engine 17 photographed 9-15-2012.

This historic rig has seen a lot of action over the years and now offers a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts looking to restore a piece of Chicago fire history. Whether you're into vintage emergency vehicles or simply a fan of *Backdraft*, this is one not to miss.