One big measure of a new book once it arrives here is how much of what’s between the covers is actually new. We’re therefore pretty excited about Crown Coach Corporation, Louk Markham’s 128-page look at the dearly departed Los Angeles firm best known for its fire trucks. There’s a great deal more to the story, as Markham demonstrates. Crown’s fire trucks were based on its mid-engine bus chassis, which hauled tens of millions to kids to California schools.

They were used in other kinds of education, too. In the late 1940s, Crown built this pair of Security Coaches for the Los Angeles Police Department. During these years, the LAPD operated what amounted to a work-camp and education system for people charged with alcohol-related infractions. These buses, powered by Hall-Scott engines, took them to their daily chores.

Crown was also famous for its mobile post offices and TV studios. Beyond that, it built some highly unique commercial trucks. The 1951 Crown three-axle truck at the top of this post had cargo bodywork and a short full trailer, both by Trailmobile. It ran out of Stockton, California, for Wedgewood Gas Ranges, made by Rheem. Check out the bumper trio and bus-type route sign on the cab. The book is $34.95 from 800-458-0454 or www.motorbooks.com.