From the Archives #146 (1952 Ambulance)

[Studebaker Wheel]

Could have put a little time in those whitewalls! Wonder where it went?

[j.byrd]

Hopefully, on over to vehicle prep to clean the "blue" or whatever that is on the tires off, ha !

[Chris Pile]

For a '52, that's pretty handsome.

[57pack]

For a '52, that's pretty handsome.

I agree, it did come together nicely.
Always liked the 1952 models as they were the
last of Studebaker's "First By Far With A Post War Car" body styles.

[JRoberts]

That car is cool. I would love to have a '52 like that.

[BRUCESTUDE]

Awesome photo, thanks Richard!

[Chris_Dresbach]

It's amazing how far ambulance units have advanced. Back in the dark ages when this one was in service a patient was just loaded and you hope they made it. Only thing is, I believe they were called an "ambulet" back then, not an ambulance.

The roof line is very similar to that of the '47 woody.

[Chris_Dresbach]

And after reading the fine print, I think it stayed at the factory! Studebaker had their own fire department but this is the first I've seen of them having their own BLS unit. I'm going to research this a little more.

[StudeRich]

Actually Chris a Ambulet, was a very slightly Modified Station Wagon like the one the South Bend PD has in their Lobby, this one is way beyond that, it is an Ambulance with a full stretch and raised Roof.

This looks very well done the Local Body Builder must have gotten good Money for that one.

The Tires (at least the Left Front) look to me like they are Lettered with "Firestone" usually in Gold or Black on the Whitewalls, for Showcars etc. but then got very dirty somehow.

[clonelark]

The driver looks young enough to still be alive,white pages shows he still lives in Indianapolis Ind. zip 46280-1351, two blocks off Hwy. 31

[StudeRich]

Now he could be a great source of good on the spot info for a International Meet Seminar, Chapter Meeting or something. Awesome find clone!

[qsanford]

It looks like the State series gravel guards were used, but did they paint them? On my screen they look either painted or made of rubber.

[studegary]

I believe that the whitewalls still have most of their original protective coating. This was to be cleaned off when the vehicle was put into service. Many here may be too young to remember this about wide whitewalls, in particular (most narrow whitewalls also came with a protective coating) on new vehicles when shipped.

I agree that it is an ambulance and not an Ambulet.

[stratovue]

I remember seeing this vehicle parked at the Proving Ground for many years. I don't recall when it was scrapped.

Ed Reynolds

[rockne10]

I agree that it is an ambulance and not an Ambulet.

Indeed. The rear doors with external hinges are not integrated in to the rear fenders as were standard four doors; longer wheelbase and higher roof. Do you think Studebaker would have had Superior or S&S or other professional vehicle builder do the conversion or accomplish it in house?