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 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 know what you mean Howard. I seem to recall seeing one in those old driver ed films–the nasty ones filmed AT the scene of the accident! For some reason, `58 Cadillac ambulances also ring a bell. Sick memories to have, granted, but we all remember those scare films!
On a lighter note, this `60 Buick appears really complete, and for anyone interested in Professional cars there is a nationwide club dedicated to them. This Buick, if restored would turn some heads at shows
No, the one seen in Mad, Mad World, Fugitive, Twilight Zone and Perry Mason, is a DIFFERENT vehicle, and is currently owned by a collector in Georgia.
I think someone got left in the back.
Amazing that all 4 wheel covers stayed with (or on) the car after 66 years.
Going to take a lot of money to put this one back. Maybe that’s why the roll of paper crying towels is on the dash!
Ron, Thanks for your research into the Flxible company. There are pictures on the Goodyear history website of a Buick chassis, Flxible body and a tall aircraft tire, standing up, being used as a tour vehicle for promotional purposes. As for this ambulance, I am afraid about the only market is in the profession car club or a Shriners group or fire company for parade purposes. If this is an original Texas vehicle the rust should be just on the surface??? thus it should be a fairly easy repaint job?? Interesting that the interior shot does not show a 2 way radio or where it had been??
“almost everything works.” –
That’s perfect. It’s almost festival-ready. It just needs a paint brush paint job, Mexican blanket seat covers, a cheap memory foam mattress, and some Dead stickers.
I’ll pass this along to my hippie buddies. They may not have $6500 cash at the moment, but they can maybe make some trades.
Just imagine how many hippies were denied care in the back of this thing.
Awesome car, priced well and sold quickly!
That’s the way to do it!
Yes, they are a very rare s-i-g-h-t on this s-i-t-e these days. ;)
Ya gotta love those tail fins on the back of it !!!!
I remember many many years ago my late girlfriend and I were just driving a hearse (Cadillac of course )and her two boys who were 15 insisted of laying down in the back. We pulled up in front of a new Chinese restaurant that had just opened. We were sitting in front discussing when and where we were going to meet since they were walking to the mall. The owner of the Chinese restaurant came out and said
“ here, five dollar, you move car, no park here” it was funny.
GONE!