Brought up previously as a CL ad here.
Had to wait for viewing until in area, which happened in early Oct. Neat to see a two owner, unmolested original coach still in same family since new. Only 45k miles on the clock.
Although darkness ensued quickly and I didn't crawl around in wet high grass it was a solid coach that mainly needed a left fender. Selling price ended up being $5k and went to TX for restoration (will not be an Ecto clone). No, I wasn't purchaser. But I did buy extra parts from it...
Among extra parts acquired is a pair of these beautiful, large, elaborate, deco-style cast ambulance crosses. Miller Meteor offered them from '59-'62 (perhaps started in '58 according to both Steve Lichtman and Steve Loftin). They take up the entire height of the rear side windows. Since straight ambulances typically had etched ambulance glass, the signs would have been for combinations when running in ambulance configuration (or for straight ambulance ordered without etched glass theoretically). Pretty sure the AMBULANCE letters were originally painted.
I'm not even an ambulance (or MM) guy and simply *love* them for the styling, design, and complex usage of negative spaces. They're the bomb-diggity! Given rarity (two other pairs known existing) and broader combination/ambulance appeal (not just '59-'62 MM), I'm looking into having these accurately reproduced in a limited quantity (10-15 pair) - which requires both casting and machine work. Would appreciate input here on suggestions and notably if having first-hand experience with a foundry recommendation. I've already declined a substantial offer for these originals and feel the best route is to get more out there for others to enjoy - in a coach or as wall art.
They're just too cool. Can also see FUNERAL letters in place of AMBULANCE looking fine. Please relay others known existing or post pics of Flxible's similar Buick offering from the early '50s. Wouldn't mind seeing how close those are.
Had to wait for viewing until in area, which happened in early Oct. Neat to see a two owner, unmolested original coach still in same family since new. Only 45k miles on the clock.
Although darkness ensued quickly and I didn't crawl around in wet high grass it was a solid coach that mainly needed a left fender. Selling price ended up being $5k and went to TX for restoration (will not be an Ecto clone). No, I wasn't purchaser. But I did buy extra parts from it...
Among extra parts acquired is a pair of these beautiful, large, elaborate, deco-style cast ambulance crosses. Miller Meteor offered them from '59-'62 (perhaps started in '58 according to both Steve Lichtman and Steve Loftin). They take up the entire height of the rear side windows. Since straight ambulances typically had etched ambulance glass, the signs would have been for combinations when running in ambulance configuration (or for straight ambulance ordered without etched glass theoretically). Pretty sure the AMBULANCE letters were originally painted.
I'm not even an ambulance (or MM) guy and simply *love* them for the styling, design, and complex usage of negative spaces. They're the bomb-diggity! Given rarity (two other pairs known existing) and broader combination/ambulance appeal (not just '59-'62 MM), I'm looking into having these accurately reproduced in a limited quantity (10-15 pair) - which requires both casting and machine work. Would appreciate input here on suggestions and notably if having first-hand experience with a foundry recommendation. I've already declined a substantial offer for these originals and feel the best route is to get more out there for others to enjoy - in a coach or as wall art.
They're just too cool. Can also see FUNERAL letters in place of AMBULANCE looking fine. Please relay others known existing or post pics of Flxible's similar Buick offering from the early '50s. Wouldn't mind seeing how close those are.