A rare 1996 Honda Acty Crawler six wheel drive fire truck appeared at a Bring a Trailer auction
In the world of compact utility and emergency response vehicles, the 1996 Honda Acty Crawler stands out. This unusual fire truck is built on a tiny footprint but carries a serious set of capabilities. It features drive to both the front and rear axles, with a middle axle that can be engaged when tracks are mounted on the two rear wheels. The design suggests impressive off road potential and rugged versatility, especially for a vehicle of its size.
The heart of the machine is a modest 656 cubic centimeter engine paired with a four speed manual transmission. There is a line running along the body that hints at a functional, no frills interior typical of small Japanese utility machines from that era. The speedometer reads at a surprisingly optimistic limit, with a maximum indicated speed just above 130 kilometers per hour, which is clearly intended for highway use rather than rough terrain testing. The actual top speed may differ under load, but the instrumentation gives a sense of the vehicle’s confidence on smooth pavement.
On the surface the Acty Crawler might look like a toy, yet it is a purpose built response vehicle. It served with the Japanese fire service and was specially produced for the 1998 Winter Olympics held in Nagano. Its role would have required nimble maneuverability, compact dimensions for crowded urban streets and facilities, and reliable performance in a range of weather conditions. During its lifetime it traveled just 3600 kilometers, a testament to its ceremonial and utilitarian use rather than regular service miles. Its rarity adds to the intrigue, as one of the smallest fire service platforms in existence, a machine designed to impress with both its engineering and mission-oriented intent.
As of the auction, bidding continues with interest from collectors and enthusiasts alike. The current bid sits at twelve thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, which in local currency is roughly nine hundred fifty thousand rubles. Bidders have until February 28 at 5:32 p.m. to place their offers and become part of this unusual piece of firefighting history. The auction environment invites curious minds to study the balance between compact engineering and practical emergency response needs, a juxtaposition that makes the Acty Crawler uniquely compelling.
Additional context about the vehicle’s use and provenance can be drawn from the auction listing published by Bring a Trailer, which presents a concise overview of the model’s specifications, history, and condition. A video resource from Lets Drive It on YouTube offers a visual tour of the machine, helping potential buyers assess the vehicle from multiple angles.