1972 Oldsmobile 98 Ambulance

Asking Price: $4,500
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Mileage: 81,000
Title Status: Clean
VIN: 3T60T2M461750

Seller’s Description: 1972 Oldsmobile/Cotner Bevington ex-USAF ambulance. The first attached photo shows an identical ambulance (not this one) on active duty with the USAF. It is based on an Oldsmobile 98 commercial chassis. The 98 was Oldsmobile’s top-of-the-line model in 1972. The chassis has most factory options, except power windows (driver’s window needs adjustment). It has a 455 cu. in. V-8, automatic transmission, front disc/rear drum power brakes, and power steering. This was originally purchased by the USAF for a base in Texas. After military service, it was acquired by a volunteer fire department through a government surplus program. After that, it was purchased by the person that I bought it from (he purchased it for the engine, but could not bring himself to dismantle it). It has always been either in Texas or California (in indoor storage).

Many thousands have been spent (some time ago and very recently) on this vehicle to make it roadworthy, but all systems should be checked, as it has been in storage. Recent servicing allows it to start, stop, shift through all gears, and lot drive. It wasn’t road-tested due to the current registration status. All repair receipts will be provided.

It has four excellent tires. There is an exhaust gasket leak at the manifold on one side (new gaskets included). The A/C compressor is not present, so the system will need repair. The RF fender and front fascia are in need of repair/replacement (a replacement hood is included). There is a source for all needed body parts in San Jose, CA- most are common OEM sheet metal at the front of the vehicle- the back is custom made. The fender skirts are not original to the car and the mounts on the body will need repair to mount them. The D/S rear floor seems a bit “soft”- all other floors appear to be okay. It needs a complete repaint. The windshield has a crack- reasonably priced replacement windshields are available (I have the NAGS number for ordering and a source). All other glass is good. The interior is essentially original, with only one rear jump seat upholstery replaced. There appears to be an auxiliary heater or A/C unit missing in the rear compartment.

Included is a factory owner’s manual packet, factory service manuals, factory A/C service manual and a Cotner Bevington brochure. I have a rotating red light, electronic rotary siren, and a GM commercial car OEM screw jack (the vehicle is too heavy for a bumper jack) in storage in CA that I can provide to the new owner.

The wheelbase is 151″, with an overall length 228″. The approximate weight is 5,000 lbs. It can be transported on a two-axle car trailer. There is no divider between the front seat and the passenger compartment (these are common in civilian ambulances, but typically deleted in military models). The tray behind the front seat is for a horizontal oxygen bottle. Unlike their competitors, Cotner Bevington used a steel roof (see attached drawing). More information on Cotner Bevington can be found at:
http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/c/cotner_bevington/cotner_bevington.htm

This vehicle is located one hour north of San Francisco, CA, has a clear CA title and is currently on a Planned Non-Op, so no back DMV fees are due. No smog is required. Asking $4500.00 More photos are available. Assistance with loading is available. Email contact is preferred: johneder@comcast.net. Thank you.