Government is trying to spark interest in the 32-year-old engine by putting it up for grabs.

And it is hoped the buyer will spruce up the old model up and put it on display.

"It would be just great if someone fixed it up for parades,'' said Bermuda's Chief Fire Officer Reg Rawlins.

The 1961 Mack engine, a Model B125 if you're an enthusiast, is described as a collector's item, and has already ignited excitement abroad.

It was built in the days when firemen rode on the outside of engines.

But it's not so old that it has a pet name. Sadly that firemen's practise has gone up in smoke with the passing years.

Aunt Helen, a gas engine dating back to the 1940s, was the last to have the honour.

Works & Engineering has invited tenders for the Mack machine. The deadline is Friday.

People can look over the engine at Fire Services HQ, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

But they should be warned -- the engine is not in working order. And one-man fire brigades need not apply.

"There is only one fire service in Bermuda and that is us,'' stressed Mr.

Rawlins.

"It is an old engine, and no longer any use to us. It would take a lot of money to get it into roadworthy shape.'' Mr. Rawlins said the engine had attracted interest from "one or two collectors overseas''.

But it would cost about $8,000 to ship the machine abroad.

Mr. Rawlins imagined parts of the engine could be sold for scrap, such as the wheels.

One fire officer yesterday spoke of his sadness at losing the old Mack.

"I used to drive it, and have become quite attached to it.'' The officer said the engine had seen some hot action in its time, including the oil docks blaze in the early 1970s.

It also attended fires at Lucas House and Butterfield wholesalers in East Broadway.

HOT STTUFF -- The old engine with firefighter Alex DeSilva aboard.