The seller tells us that this 1942 Ford ambulance is “incredibly rare”. Well, being a domestic ’42 anything makes it rare, the ambulance part contributes the “incredibly” part I suppose. Also considered to be rough, a true understatement, this ambulance was converted by Siebert of Toledo, Ohio, a converter well known for their fabrication skills as applied to Ford and Mercury light trucks and cars. On the surface, this ambulance looks like it could use an ambulance, but before performing last rites, lets look it over, there may be something here that is salvageable. Located in Drexel, Missouri, this one time professional vehicle is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $2,500. Thanks to Jonny C for this tip!
As to how this Ford started life is debatable, but I’d initally thought a long wheelbase 3/4 ton panel truck that was then cut and stretched but that was just a guess. The seller, however, says it is based on a short wheelbase 1/2 variety that then undergoes the big stretch. It’s suffering from both surface rust and rot-through, along with quite a bit of panel mis-alignment. The floors have fallen out in places and I’d be cautious about the frame, and overall structual integrity too. Obviously the glass, grille, lights, bumpers, etc. have all seen far better days.
The seller states, “At some point it looks like someone did a later V8 conversion. Currently no motor no trans“. The original engine should have been a 90 HP, flathead V8 but the seller’s comment would lead one to believe that a more modern OHV V8 engine had taken up residence since the flathead’s days. Unfortunately, there are no included engine compartment images.
As for the interior, it’s pretty well destroyed, the only item of interest being that frosted pane of glass left over from its service days. It’s a gutted, rusted and trashed environment.
The seller suggests, “Has typical rust, dents etc, but VERY WORTH rebuilding!“. I don’t know about that, considering the deleterious condition of everything, and again, we don’t know about the underside, I’m seeing scrap value, and little more. We always want to save them all, but that’s just not possible and the fact that this is a ’42 model, and a converted professional vehicle, doesn’t necessarily enhance it’s liklihood of salvation or its potential future value. I’m seeing only a flat line, how about you?
I’m thinking ultimate Suburban XXL …
So rare it was left to rot in a field forever and picked over. Come on seller.
“Typical rust and dents”, yeah, for something that sat down by the river since we were in kindergarten. Got to admire the chutzbah, must have seen that hulk of a VW bus, “hey paw, fire up the tractor, we’re a goin down to the river to fetch that old truck, you know the one, next to the pickup with the tree in the bumper”.
Rare and interesting vehicle. Salvageable, if you have parts vehicles, and enough “wanna”.
Bunky — let me try to summarize your conclusion: It’s going to take more wanna than I gotta?????
From what I can see of this “rare restorable” I would be a player for $2.50. Not enough parts to make a viable restoration, besides that what could you use it for?
There would be almost enough parts in my bone pile to make this driveable although I’m at somewhat of a loss as to what I would do with it. It would be great to have the Ford version of the burb but I would prefer to have it on a regular panel body. I’m not too fussy about communicating with my passengers via intercom. There’s not a lot of difference between the ‘42 and the ‘46 models other than the ‘42 uses a pot metal Ford script on the hood sides.
Junk Pop Cans
I see a rolling junkyard
Someone call 911…
I wonder how fast this puppy can run in high gear? Probly gits good gas constumption also too.
You know you’re in for a LOT of work, when the seller has a picture in the ad of the thing with 3 ratchet straps holding it together on a trailer. Whew!
Wow , I wouldn’t have thought it, but there are at least two of these around; there’s been one that sat for years with a for sale sign on it rotting in front of a grain company here in CT. , within the last year, i found it sitting in a local pick n pull. Its actually worse than this one ; it was painted gray, and may have been a navy truck at one time – there is a naval base nearby
We have a fully restored one in Cape Town, South Africa in mint condition.