This year it is hundred years since the legendary “RUSSO-BALT” automobile has been manufactured in Rīga. Therefore, new wheels were remounted to the “RUSSO-BALT” fire-engine, exhibited in the Riga Motormuseum.

Until now, the oldest fire-engine in Riga was ‘standing’ on wheels, similar to ones of a GAZ truck, and which were specially made for the vehicle during 1970s. A detailed examination of the wheel design, development of sketches and study of manufacturers were carried out in recent years. The new wheels are made due to collaboration with experts from many countries. Wooden parts are manufactured in France, metal circumferences – in England, tires and inner tires of an adequate sample and size – in the U.S., but the “golden hub caps” and other small parts are made in Latvia. Experts from the Riga Motormuseum were carrying out the manning of wheels.

Implementation of the project was made possible thanks to the sponsor Mr. Jānis Priede from Antique Car Club of Latvia.

History of the “RUSSO-BALT” Factory

In 1908 the Tsar Nicholas II decided to open Russo-Baltic Wagon Factory (RBVZ) in Valmieras Street, Rīga. Its founders had far-reaching plans – automobiles, produced in Rīga, were to become ones of the most lasting and safest cars in the world. To achieve this goal, a young promising man from Switzerland Julien Potterat was involved as a new director of the car section and as a principal designer. He has been recognized as good designer and manufacturing organizer at the “FONDU” brand automobile manufacturing in Belgium, being 26 years old. Plans came into effect and already in June of 1909 the first “RUSSO-BALT” automobile left the factory.

The factory was focusing on production of three car and three truck models. 625 cars, including orders of a war department, were manufactured within six years (1909-1915). Facilities of the factory were evacuated to Moscow and St. Petersburg during the World War I. Consequently, the “RUSSO-BALT” factory in Rīga no more existed. Soon a project of building a new “RUSSO-BALT” factory near Moscow started, but in 1917 this project was ended by revolution and civil war in Russia.

Only two RUSSO-BALT cars, manufactured in Rīga, have survived up to date: one of them is located in Polytechnic Museum in Moscow, and another – in the Riga Motormuseum.

History of the “RUSSO-BALT” fire-engines in Rīga

Fire-engine, exhibited in the Riga Motormuseum, was Riga St. Peter's Fire Association custom-made, manufactured in 1912 on a 1 tonne D-model freight chassis. The fire-engine was operated by 10 people and was able to develop a speed of up to 45 km per hour. During the First World War the vehicle was rebuilt as a field-hospital, and together with its team participated in the evacuation of wounded people in the front line zone of Lithuania.

After the war it again became the fire-engine and was slightly modified.

In the late 1920s the fire-engine arrived at Rauna to the fire-fighter Mr. Jānis Mežpapāns, who rebuilt it as a truck. Mežpapāni family owned it until 1976. Unfortunately, after these years the car looked more like scrap instead of a vehicle. In 1976 the old fire-engine was presented to LSSR Antique Car Club. From 1977 to 1978 restoration was made by members of the club with the financial support of the National Fire Administration. Currently, the legendary “RUSSO BALT” fire-engine is available for its visitors at the Riga Motormuseum.

We remind you that this summer in honour of “RUSSO-BALT” centenary the Riga Motormuseum in collaboration with the Riga City Council organized the International Gathering of Ancient Vehicles “Riga-Retro 2009” within the Riga City Festival.