Absolutely fascinating and yes, kudos for bringing forth the Kennedy Library information and other facts. I've thoroughly enjoyed the sleuthing and polite discussions that have accompanied this thread. As a sometime historic vehicle buff, the knowledge base here at the Friends of PCS is impressive, as is the reach of the organization.
Just some thoughts that are still running through my mind on this 'mystery':
No question in my mind the consignor acquired both '63 Pontiac Superior ambulances from "Central Valley Classics in Fresno, California... noting several references to the 2nd, US Army 'basket case' Pontiac Superior ambulance that he still owns. That goes beyond coincidence.
No question in my mind that the '63 Pontiac Superior auctioned at B-J was clearly not,
"one of the finest examples of an unrestored ambulance from that time period,” , given it clearly was modified several times and had been previously been redone (
restored would be an overstatement) inside and out, to make it suitable for it's brief cameo appearances in R.F.K. and The Women of Camelot. It's curious that the B-J folks didn't push back on the "unrestored" condition description offered by the consignor once they inspected the vehicle.
However, it does appear that there are still many unanswered questions, not the least of which is how the '63 Pontiac Superior sold at B-J carries a nomenclature plate with matching VIN numbers and the US Navy serial number 94-49196 if, what clearly appeared to me to be the 'actual' '63 Pontiac Superior that was on the tarmac at Andrews on Nov 22, 1963 went to the car crusher in 1986. As noted in the photo / numbering comparison offered in
Post #189, the stenciling on the '63 Pontiac sent to the crusher '
appears' in my eyes to be identical to the used on Nov 22, 1963, never mind showing proper wear and distress for a 23-year old vehicle.
The one piece of evidence that's essential to this mystery is a clear photo of the US Navy nomenclature plate -- or perhaps the actual plate if it's in the possession of the Kennedy Library archives -- from the '63 Pontiac Superior destroyed in 1986. One would hope that somewhere in the two rolls of film shot by Mr. Powers that nomenclature plate was captured. Unless and until that comes forward, it's a Mexican Standoff.
Everything else remains interesting and curious, including the FOIA documents from the Navy's former Surgeon General and the information that came forward from Superior vis-a-via PHS.
Thanks again for maintaining such a civil and respectful forum... always a breath of fresh air to encounter enthusiasts who prefer facts and evidence to innuendo and hearsay.
