This Buick has the classic ’60’s ambulance look with the the two-tone red and white paint scheme, two red lights replacing two of the quad headlights, and the “bubblegum” roof lights and siren. There’s still a FIRE RESCUE emblem on the back door. Based on the photos and the surface rust and other kinds of visible rust, (as well as the faded and peeling paint), this Buick has been subjected to the elements along the way. And perhaps in the Texas sun since it’s wearing Texas plates. That’s probably the original factory paint and the very long roof top has also checkered and shows patches of surface rust. I’m not seeing any dents or other signs of accident damage.
Based on the photos, the ambulance’s glass looks good as well as the dusty bumpers, trim, and full wheel covers. There aren’t many photos of the inside provided. It’s a black and medium gray color theme with a black and white front bench seat. I’m not seeing any excessive wear or rips in the upholstery and the steering wheel and the new-for-’60 Mirrormagic instrument panel (that let the driver read a bar-style speedometer through an adjustable tilting mirror) appear in good shape. The padded dash is cracked and peeling up in spots and would need replacing. There are no photos of the rear “patient transport area” to determine its condition. And it appears there’s a manakin lying on the ambulance bed. At least I’m hoping that’s a manakin.
No engine details are provided other than the 87,347 number reading on the broken odometer. It should be the 401-cubic inch V8 that was introduced on the 1959 Buicks. It could churn out 325 horsepower and is mated to Buick’s Turbine Drive automatic transmission. It appears to have a replacement radiator. One of the Forums I found online for this ambulance said that one could be seen in an episode of The Twilight Zone, one episode of The Fugitive, and in the movie It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. There’s a Professional Car Society club who has a passion for rescuing and restoring vehicles like this. Hopefully, one of its members will save this one from deteriorating further and restore it back to its former life, so to speak.
Oh, these always creep me out. Like some transport on Adam-12 or Emergency. Ambulances, or “Blood Boxes” have come a long ways. I think of the horrors that might have gone on in the back. Survival was iffy, at best. Hearses and ambulances do nothing for me. I’ve never ridden in either, considering all I’ve been through is amazing enough, however, at 71, I feel that may change.
I think someone got left in the back.