Regular Barn Finds readers might recognize this 1958 Pontiac Bonneville ambulance. It could be that we saw it nearly five years ago as a project that had been sitting idle for 20 years at that time. Work has since progressed, so we assume the seller found a buyer who put some time and money into it. Customized by Superior Coach in ‘58, this rare people mover (only 344 were built) is in San Carlos, California, and needs someone to carry the load for this project, which was once commissioned by the Federal government. It’s available here on eBay, where the opening bid of $20,000 awaits a taker.
Considering how few Bonneville ambulances Superior converted in 1958, this must be the same one. The government reference is also made, and many of the photos suggest the same vehicle. But work has progressed, with the rebuilt engine having been reinstalled and nearly ready to be hooked up. Also, both listings reflect a California locale. Per a bit of research done by the seller, the vehicle retains its Federal Stock Number (FSN) tag, though GM, Superior, or the government itself have been unable to locate records that far back.
After it had been idle for two decades, the seller made some headway with this old Poncho. The engine has been machined, the automatic transmission rebuilt, the engine bay refurbished, floor pans replaced, and some upholstery work done (in military drab as it would have been back in the day). The seller stuck with NOS parts because he wanted to be as authentic as possible.
The Pontiac is not yet a runner but has gotten much closer in the past five years. It retains its original ambulance lighting and sirens. But the buyer will need to address new tires, brakes, and electrical components, as they are as old as the hills. It comes with a no-op California registration to prevent past-due DMV fees. The seller would not be selling this vehicle if the restorer he was using was able to continue the work that requires skills the seller does not possess. Perhaps one day soon this Ghostbusters wannabe will return to the roads!
Rare, but more of a curiosity than anything else. This is a long way from being finished. How many potential buyers exist who will be willing to dig into their own pocket to see it completed.
The latest response to the first thread about this car, from March 2026, said it was for currently for sale with a $25,000 asking price. That suggests a lack of interest at this price and in general.
Steve R