The company was founded in 1910 by John P Ahrens and Charles H Fox and built its first motorized fire engine in 1911.

By the end of the following year production of horse-drawn fire apparatus ceased completely.

During the year 1913 only, Ahrens-Fox built a 44 hp (following then-actual rating practice) automobile.

A small pickup bed was added for some items that were thought to be useful for the head of a fire brigade, and was included in the base price.

Today, Ahrens-Fox and all of its assets, parts, and paper is owned by W. Kenneth Menke III, president of the Fire Products Company (Powerarc), Webster Groves, Missouri.