Walt McCall
PCS Life Member
I have a weakness for Mopars
(Cary Livingston scan)
I think these conversions were done by Universal in Detroit....based on Abbott & Hast designs, I believe. - Walt
MoPar procars
- Thread starter Steve Loftin
- Start date
I think these conversions were done by Universal in Detroit....based on Abbott & Hast designs, I believe. - Walt
These two particular cars I do know are actual Abbott & Hast coaches, only because Ron Hast sent me copies of the originals. Cary's copy was from a scanned ad from one of the funeral trade magazines, but I don't think the whole ad was scanned. But anyway, I have heard of Universal and them making similar coaches, but that's all I know. Care to share more? I'm guessing there are a lot of us here who aren't familiar with them. Pics would be nice
John Royark JR
PCS Member
SORRY ED!! I just got a new computer (my first laptop) and i am learning how to use a tuchpad mouse and accidently groaned you on this post and cant remove it. sorry
First suggestion is to buy one of those small wireless mice that are made specifically for laptops. My fat fingers don't work well on the mouse pad, and that is what I did.
Second suggestion.. Send me a PM, and I will remove the "Groan" if you make it by mistake. You are not alone in making this error.
Thanks
Paul
John ED Renstrom
PCS Member
one knows there were a lot of smaller locale companies doing conversions. you see one you don't recognize and you label it to one of the big boys or more common small players. once these pictures get miss labeled and get out it almost impossible to correct. the research you and tom have done done apart and together is the most valuable asset the club has. Steve starting this share photos is one more. we can't go back and re visit the car. the picture is all we have. it don't look like any Memphis I have see and not like the ones next to it . so what is it. you research and willingness to share it is our only clue. once again I put out to those of us that are amateur photographers take the shot and at least one clear shot some form of identification. if you can get the picture of the ID tag. re visiting the pictures years latter it's vary had to come up with the right manufacture. but if we all try for a pictures of the tag with the car then keeping them apart is easy.
Tatty yet rare '62 Dodge airport limo @ a New Jersey car show this year.
More shots of the surviving '59 Memphian Chrysler in PA:
More shots of the surviving '59 Memphian Chrysler in PA:
The hammer dropped on this '58 Memphian DeSoto from the volunteer fire department in Kamrar, Iowa @ $36k in '07 after restoration as shown.
Pics/info courtesy of VanDerBrink Auctions LLC.
Pics/info courtesy of VanDerBrink Auctions LLC.
John ED Renstrom
PCS Member
I think Walt set us straight on the builder of the ambulance not being Memphis coach. but Universal out of Detroit Mi. you compare the back of the black hearse and this ambulance and you see the difference right now.
Cary Livingston
Southeastern Chapter President
"Originally Posted by Steve Loftin
This Economy/Dodge was sold new to the funeral home in Marlette, MI. It was later used by the Marlette F.D. when the funeral home discontinued its ambulance service. "
Is that not a "National" emblem on the rear door?
John Royark JR
PCS Member
Tatty yet rare '62 Dodge airport limo @ a New Jersey car show this year.
More shots of the surviving '59 Memphian Chrysler in PA:
Thanks for posting more pics of the 59 Memphian Chrysler, it has always been my number one dream coach. I remember seeing this coach in a feature article in a hot rod type mag when I was 16 (1990). I wish I could find that mag again. I remember the owners name was Joe Spiota (sp?).
Cary Livingston
Southeastern Chapter President
I believe the 62 Dodge limo now sports a late model Dodge V10. 
John ED Renstrom
PCS Member
woundered if anyone would notice that aint no 318 in there.
'68 (maybe '67?) National Dodge Polara hightop ambulance in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
Photos from cars shows in '10.
Photos from cars shows in '10.
68 Dodge National
Now on display in the EMS Museum at the Canadian Transportation Museum, Essex, Ontario.
Now on display in the EMS Museum at the Canadian Transportation Museum, Essex, Ontario.
Photo captures of '58 Plymouth ambulance from DeBaun Funeral Home in Terre Haute, IN.
Courtesy of and permission granted from Curt DeBaun III. This is a car that Curt would like to find and replace for sentimental reasons.
Here's Curt DeBaun Sr. w/ his new '59 Imperial as a bonus. Love that grill!
Courtesy of and permission granted from Curt DeBaun III. This is a car that Curt would like to find and replace for sentimental reasons.
Here's Curt DeBaun Sr. w/ his new '59 Imperial as a bonus. Love that grill!
John ED Renstrom
PCS Member
the 58 is a comet to boot.
Kurt Arends
PCS Elected Director 2021-2024
I attended this auction and inspected this car closely. It, obviously, started life as a combination as the white paint was flaking off in sheets inside the door jambs exposing black paint. I believe that the ambulance conversion was done long after this car was taken out of service. Prices were insanely high on most of the cars sold that day.
1959 DeSoto Firedome Pinner Ambulance
While browsing the membership list of the WPC Club, I came across this 1959 DeSoto Firedome Pinner Ambulance that is currently being restored by Barrett Taft of Washington State. I contacted Mr. Taft and he was kind enough to forward pictures. I have encouraged him to visit the PCS web site and consider becoming a member.
While browsing the membership list of the WPC Club, I came across this 1959 DeSoto Firedome Pinner Ambulance that is currently being restored by Barrett Taft of Washington State. I contacted Mr. Taft and he was kind enough to forward pictures. I have encouraged him to visit the PCS web site and consider becoming a member.
Keith Snyder
PCS Member
Wow, another Pinner! And, a 1959 DeSoto at that. Glad to hear and see its being restored. Hoe we can see more of this car when the restoration has been completed. Hope the Pinner brothers have seen this and will soon comment or add more information. Thanks for posting this.