Some vehicles are more than just classic trucks—they’re living pieces of history. That’s the case with this 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban Ambulance, now listed here on craigslist out of San Antonio, Texas. This rare three-door Suburban was converted by Stoner Ambulance Company when new and originally delivered to Amoco Oil for use at one of its Illinois refineries. Because it spent most of its life on standby, the odometer shows only 48,000 miles today. Thanks for the tip Spencer D!
What makes this Suburban so special is its completeness. The truck still carries all of its original lights, sirens, radios, scanners, oxygen tanks, and other medical gear. It’s said to still function “Code 3,” which means it can light up and wail just as it did when in active service. That level of preservation is nearly unheard of, especially for a working emergency vehicle.
After its refinery duty, the Suburban was sold to the Lisbon/Seward Fire Department near Chicago. It was repainted red at that point and remained in service until retirement in the late 1970s. From there, it eventually passed into private hands before being rescued by the current owner. Today, it presents as a true survivor—polished and detailed, but never over-restored. The hood and roof show some sun fading, but the sides and trim still shine after careful buffing and waxing.
Mechanically, this rig has been sorted. The seller notes extensive recent work, including four new Firestone tires, sanded and painted rims, a new battery, new thermostat, new valve cover gaskets, fresh power steering hoses, and a rebuilt rear differential with new gasket and fresh gear oil. The truck also received a new choke, oil filter with synthetic oil, new belts, and wiper blades. In short, it’s been thoroughly gone through to make sure it runs and drives properly.
As a ¾-ton C20, this Suburban is heavier-duty than a C10 and was purpose-built to handle the weight of its ambulance conversion. It’s not a 100-point showpiece, but as the seller points out, it could easily become one in the hands of the next caretaker. Even in its current condition, it turns heads at car shows and draws attention wherever it goes.
It’s rare to see such a complete and well-preserved emergency vehicle offered to the public, especially one with such a clear and documented history. With a clean title and everything working, this Suburban is a rolling piece of Americana that may never come around again.
Would you keep this survivor just as it sits for the history, or would you restore it into a full showstopper?
Looks like it’s ready to pull into Rampart General! STAT!
“Stoner” Ambulance? Too easy. Fahrvs reference to the hoaky, yet entertaining “Emergency”, the 3rd and last of the “Jack Webb” series’, and like all of his shows, gave us a front row seat as to the doings of LEOs and paramedics lives. See, back then, there were no “rolling hospitals” like todays modern “blood boxes”. The paramedics were a separate deal, often 2nd to arrive to basically stabilize the patient, and the “transport” was up to private companies. Survival was iffy, at best. I remember, Milwaukee police used Travelalls, then Suburbans like this, but no top. The old man bought a used ’67 Suburban that was an ex-police truck. After a quick stop at Winchells Donuts, it was off to the hospital. I kid, it must have been a tough job, and still is. Just imagine the horrors this vehicle has seen, but on the other hand, think how many were saved. In a twist of fate, and I’m jinxing it by saying this, but in all my shenanigans, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, trucks, and construction, I’ve never been in an ambulance,,,,I’m sure as an “alta kaker”, that will change.
Today the pricey, yet better way is helicopters, they save even more lives. You can dicker with your insurance provider about the $80,000+ cost, if you make it, that is. If not, don’t worry about it, I don’t think healthcare costs are transferable to family upon your death. Not to detour, but an ambulance post might conjure up healthcare comments and it’s costs. I recently got a hospital bill for my ER adventures TWO YEARS AGO, for $704 bucks! I don’t have supplemental ins., yet, and the ER visit was over $1700 alone! In 1972, it was probably like $18? I was lucky, Colorado has many programs for seniors, I went in to complain, and they dropped the whole bill! :), but in a larger scope, ironically healthcare devastates peoples lives, and I heard it said, trying to save healthcare today as we know it, is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
You two now have the Theme from “EMERGENCY ” Stuck in my head!!! It’s catchy, dont get me wrong. But now I’ll have it stuck there all day.
That being said, this ambulance is in remarkable condition. I hope it gets preserved.
“If not, don’t worry about it, I don’t think healthcare costs are transferable to family upon your death.”
Generally, outstanding debts are paid out of your estate or trust.
It would sure be nice if the price were listed in the write ups. It seems to be left out a lot these days.
Trying to recreate this would be difficult and a complete one like this certainly is unusual. $24,999.00 seems like a lot, but I don’t know the specialty market, especially since it is on a well preserved Suburban to begin with.
It belongs in the movies. I could see Joe Dirt (or perhaps Brandy, remember her?) being transported in. lol
I absolutely hate seeing vehicles for sale without any mention of the engine size. Does it run on leprechauns carrying four barrels?
The tag appears to be a 400 (402) which would make sense.
I retired from the Fire Service after 40 years in the Pacific Northwest. I transported patients in these and the Caddy’s and Oldsmobiles and todays modern rolling ERs!
These were real workhorses.
I thank all the people who created these vehicles to help our communities and like seeing them well cared for after 50 some years.
Somebody will enjoy this rig at shows and cars and coffee.
Even though the squad vehicle in ‘Emergency!’ is a Dodge, that was the first thing I thought of when I saw this listing. I’m hearing the klaxon as I type this. The things that stay with you…
Lisbon Seward FPD is located in Kendall County Illinois, still serves a mostly rural farming population. Back when this was in service it was very rural, I was a deputy for that Sheriffs department back in the late 80’s and saw their equipment at work, even then most or all of their equipment was pretty old.
It says 350 on the side.