1956 Cadillac Superior details

[Pat MacPhail]

I had a look at my Caddy on the weekend and have a few questions regarding some of the equipment and modifications done to the car.
The rear door has a cabinet installed and I wondered if this was a Superior modification or was done after the fact?
What might have gone into this ?
There are four brackets that fold out of the pillars into a horizontal position. There is also a number of plates that are bolted into the roof that have slots for holding things. Could anyone tell me the purpose of these devises?
Thank you in advance
Pat MacPhail

 

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Cot hanging hardware for upper deck patients.

Here is the '56 Superior 616 high top's rear door as well. Although it does not have shelves, my buddy's new '56 S&S has them built in similar to yours.

 

[Dan Herrick]

"The rear door has a cabinet installed and I wondered if this was a Superior modification or was done after the fact?"
It was most likely done by Superior, you might find that is a fairly common option.

"What might have gone into this ?"
That would depend on the ambulance service that was running the car. I can tell you the standard practice in my area was to have it equipped with all that one would to treat an auto accident patient. That way one patient could be treated out of the back of the ambulance and another using the first in bag.

 

[Steve Lichtman]

...The rear door has a cabinet installed and I wondered if this was a Superior modification or was done after the fact?...

That was usually done by Superior, it was an available option. Not that someone couldn't have done it later to a car that didn't have it, but my guess is it's original.

 

[Kevin O'Connell - Deceased - 1954 - 2019]

Pat, were you able to measure the siren mounting holes?

 

[Steve Loftin]

Here's a shot of a '55 S/C rear door with a first aid cabinet, cropped from a larger photo:

 

[Cliff Bergum]

Hey Pat,
I'd love to see your ride next time I'm down island. I just saw an ad for a 1956 Caddy for sale in.. Prince George, I think. I don't recall if it was a Hearse or Ambulance.. Guy was asking 25,000 and it needed afull resto. Crazy!
Nice to see another local pro car on the "Rock"!