Professional Cars Have Come A Long Way, Haven't They?

[Bill Marcy]

Have you noticed over the years that the public appreciation of professional cars seems to be increasing? I mean, twenty years ago, when we first joined PCS, a professional car would have to be gorgeous and very unique, before it would get any attention from the general public, at least that was my experience. Over the years, we have had some pretty nice procars, that were in some cases barely noticed. But, starting about five years ago, I noticed regular "non-procar" people going crazy, as we drive down the street, or go to a show, or cruise night. Currently, with our 1968 Miller Meteor, we get thumbs up, horns blowing, yells and screams in a complimentary way and lots of positive interest, where ever we go. The reason it surprises me, is this car needs paint and minor rust repair, although it is a strong, straight and solid car, with a good look. Lucille is surprised, because almost everyone says "look at the ambulance" while it is a combo and she thinks it looks too hearsey, in her words. The fact is, ten years ago, I don't think my current car would have gotten too much attention from non-PCSers, but now it does.
I bring this up for discussion, because I think it is a very positive indicator that the PCS is doing a great job promoting these cars. One by one, we get people interested with informative conversations about our cars. It seems to me that procars have come a long way! What do you think?

 

[Russell Street]

I have to agree. When we took the '64 down to Forest for the Tree Town Festival Parade, we heard lots of very positive comments from those who were watching the parade.

To be entirely fair, the comments mostly came from the older folks watching but comments they were. I did hear one old guy tell the man standing next to him ".....that's how I want to go out, first class, in style......". Made me feel pretty good about our purchase.

We also got lots of positive feed back at the Cold Creek Festival Car Show in Castalia last month. In a field of 30 or so cars, most of them very nice by any measure (ours being the only pro car) we got a lot of attention. A couple of the local Fire Chiefs swung by and had a look. Chief Mohr (Rob's chief) sent all of his people by for a peek see. Said they should see "the way it was" back in the day.

 

[Bill Marcy]

I have to agree. When we took the '64 down to Forest for the Tree Town Festival Parade, we heard lots of very positive comments from those who were watching the parade.

To be entirely fair, the comments mostly came from the older folks watching but comments they were. I did hear one old guy tell the man standing next to him ".....that's how I want to go out, first class, in style......". Made me feel pretty good about our purchase.

We also got lots of positive feed back at the Cold Creek Festival Car Show in Castalia last month. In a field of 30 or so cars, most of them very nice by any measure (ours being the only pro car) we got a lot of attention. A couple of the local Fire Chiefs swung by and had a look. Chief Mohr (Rob's chief) sent all of his people by for a peek see. Said they should see "the way it was" back in the day.

Isn't it nice to hear the comments? We even seem to hear lots of nice comments and compliments from people way too young to remember.

 

[James Douglas]

I personally think the interest in procars today is more from an overall appreciation and respect of classic cars in general as they further age and become more sought after. Also as much as you might not want to admit it, movies like Ghost Busters and other such movies have actually helped promote pro cars onto a large national stage.

Please don’t take this the wrong way as I am not bashing the PCS as much as just making a personal observation. I don’t think the majority of the credit belongs to the PCS for the new interest in pro cars as much as just a renewed general interest in the fringe markets of classic cars and collectibles.

Sure the PCS is responsible for helping the preservation of these vehicles which is a large part of the cars being there in the first place to be appreciated however the same can be said of any club that specializes in the fringe markets of classic collectible automobiles like tow trucks, panel trucks, etc. I just feel that collectors are now more than ever seeking out the fringe markets regardless of the actual clubs responsible for their preservation and Ambulances seem to have that “cool” factor.

I think there is a lot more that the PCS could do to help further the clubs growth and reputation but since I am not a member it’s a moot point for me.

I'm not trying to take a pot shot nor am I bashing the PCS but rather just sharing my opinions which were asked to be shared by the OP of this particular thread.

In closing I really enjoy pro cars and although I am not a member of the PCS I’m not a member of the Buick Club, the Cadillac LaSalle Club, or the Oldsmobile club and many other such clubs and I really like those vehicles as well and regularly visit their web sites too.

Additionally one thing I do give the PCS credit in doing to help the image of pro funeral cars is not allowing caskets or skeletons or morbid displays. That goes a long way in setting a standard of dignity and respect for classic funeral coaches.

And finally is there a section on the board where the PCS board members are listed by their names and positions, and some general information on the club and what it does to promote the cars other than hold meets? If so I cannot seem to find it.

Sure was sad to see that former Santa Cruz hightop get crushed and the PCS (as a preservation club) not be able to save it.

 

[Mike McGeehan]

Well, as a novice pro car owner, it was more of a case of my taste evolving from 70's model GM full-sized passenger cars ( Olds, Buick, Cadillac) to more unique and rarer versions of these models

- First collected the more unusual colors that were rarely seen ( and maybe less appreciated)
-That lead to collecting the rarer, more unusual and frankly, more garish interiors ( plaids, funky greens and oranges...the uglier the better) of these 70's land yachts
- that morphed into collecting those same models that were modified ( pimped) with the flashy, trashy and over-the-top "Superfly" type conversions

I'm not sure when I first was floored by the sheer beauty of these 70's ambulances but it fit in with my evolving tastes for beauty, rareness and drop-dead " WOW" factor.
When I first started to search for an ambulance I posted here that I was aware of them but had NEVER seen one in person despite attending countless auctions/car shows/events like mega event Hershey etc
I absolutely love the regal, dignified and massive presence of my 73 MM. Frankly, I don't mind being in a small circle that appreciates these stunning testaments to a time when American auto making was at it's best....I'll gladly leave the muscle cars to everybody else.

 

[Bill Marcy]

I personally think the interest in procars today is more from an overall appreciation and respect of classic cars in general as they further age and become more sought after. Also as much as you might not want to admit it, movies like Ghost Busters and other such movies have actually helped promote pro cars onto a large national stage.

Please don’t take this the wrong way as I am not bashing the PCS as much as just making a personal observation. I don’t think the majority of the credit belongs to the PCS for the new interest in pro cars as much as just a renewed general interest in the fringe markets of classic cars and collectibles.

Sure the PCS is responsible for helping the preservation of these vehicles which is a large part of the cars being there in the first place to be appreciated however the same can be said of any club that specializes in the fringe markets of classic collectible automobiles like tow trucks, panel trucks, etc. I just feel that collectors are now more than ever seeking out the fringe markets regardless of the actual clubs responsible for their preservation and Ambulances seem to have that “cool” factor.

I think there is a lot more that the PCS could do to help further the clubs growth and reputation but since I am not a member it’s a moot point for me.

I'm not trying to take a pot shot nor am I bashing the PCS but rather just sharing my opinions which were asked to be shared by the OP of this particular thread.

In closing I really enjoy pro cars and although I am not a member of the PCS I’m not a member of the Buick Club, the Cadillac LaSalle Club, or the Oldsmobile club and many other such clubs and I really like those vehicles as well and regularly visit their web sites too.

Additionally one thing I do give the PCS credit in doing to help the image of pro funeral cars is not allowing caskets or skeletons or morbid displays. That goes a long way in setting a standard of dignity and respect for classic funeral coaches.

And finally is there a section on the board where the PCS board members are listed by their names and positions, and some general information on the club and what it does to promote the cars other than hold meets? If so I cannot seem to find it.

Sure was sad to see that former Santa Cruz hightop get crushed and the PCS (as a preservation club) not be able to save it.

There is plenty of truth in what you have said James. I suspect that the movies and tv have brought all sorts of cars, trucks, etc to people's attention and sparked interest. And you are correct in saying that there is more than just the PCS to take credit for the interest in professional cars. But, the main point I am making is simply that our professional cars are welcome in many more places today, than say, ten years ago. And that I can see and hear positive reactions from people more often. Obviously, not everybody is fond of professional cars and I am sure they have their reasons. But, in a nut shell, professional cars have come a long way in both public awareness and appreciation. The reason I mentioned the PCS, is because I am a proud member of this fine organization. But, I also realize that in addition to what you have said about movies and tv, there are also numerous other clubs that promote emergency vehicles, collector vehicles, etc that have also been contributors to the rise of professional car acceptance. And then we have famous authors amongst us, such as Thomas A McPherson, Walter M P McCall and Gregg D Merksamer, who have dedicated their lives to promoting professional cars. In the end, we, the professional car owners, are reeping the benefits of all these things together.

 

[Bill Marcy]

Well, as a novice pro car owner, it was more of a case of my taste evolving from 70's model GM full-sized passenger cars ( Olds, Buick, Cadillac) to more unique and rarer versions of these models

- First collected the more unusual colors that were rarely seen ( and maybe less appreciated)
-That lead to collecting the rarer, more unusual and frankly, more garish interiors ( plaids, funky greens and oranges...the uglier the better) of these 70's land yachts
- that morphed into collecting those same models that were modified ( pimped) with the flashy, trashy and over-the-top "Superfly" type conversions

I'm not sure when I first was floored by the sheer beauty of these 70's ambulances but it fit in with my evolving tastes for beauty, rareness and drop-dead " WOW" factor.
When I first started to search for an ambulance I posted here that I was aware of them but had NEVER seen one in person despite attending countless auctions/car shows/events like mega event Hershey etc
I absolutely love the regal, dignified and massive presence of my 73 MM. Frankly, I don't mind being in a small circle that appreciates these stunning testaments to a time when American auto making was at it's best....I'll gladly leave the muscle cars to everybody else.

Well said Mike! I pretty much like all of the cars you have and probably for similar reasons. The only place I differ, is with professional cars, I have been in love with them for most of my life. I have owned many different cars over the years, convertibles, muscle cars, you name it, but the best conversations about the cars I owned, always center around professional cars. People rarely ask "What engine is in it?" "What's the horsepower?" "Is it numbers matching?" and my favorite "Did you buy it new?"

 

[James Douglas]

Well, as a novice pro car owner, it was more of a case of my taste evolving from 70's model GM full-sized passenger cars ( Olds, Buick, Cadillac) to more unique and rarer versions of these models

- First collected the more unusual colors that were rarely seen ( and maybe less appreciated)
-That lead to collecting the rarer, more unusual and frankly, more garish interiors ( plaids, funky greens and oranges...the uglier the better) of these 70's land yachts
- that morphed into collecting those same models that were modified ( pimped) with the flashy, trashy and over-the-top "Superfly" type conversions

I'm not sure when I first was floored by the sheer beauty of these 70's ambulances but it fit in with my evolving tastes for beauty, rareness and drop-dead " WOW" factor.
When I first started to search for an ambulance I posted here that I was aware of them but had NEVER seen one in person despite attending countless auctions/car shows/events like mega event Hershey etc
I absolutely love the regal, dignified and massive presence of my 73 MM. Frankly, I don't mind being in a small circle that appreciates these stunning testaments to a time when American auto making was at it's best....I'll gladly leave the muscle cars to everybody else.

Mike

I laughed when I read what you posted above as I can relate. I had a friend who was just like you and back in the 80s- 90s he was a huge collector of those tacky garish Cadillac’s as we referred to them as. We both loved those old land yacht Cadillac’s. He show up once in a 75 / 76 Fleetwood Talisman that had one of those special gaudy over the top interiors you’re referring to (think it was double “hairy” red velvet velour that made fuzzy dice look more like Berber carpet) with the wooden console divider between the seat and a smile on his face as big as the car. He loved his Cadillac’s.

You probably know him too, because like you he opted for the most garish colors and patterns and enjoyed them like a cocaine addict and couldn’t get enough of those wacky combinations. I don’t figure there are too many people who run in that small circle of collectors. LOL

For me I have been around all types of cars and went through a stage (years ago) where classic square birds and 60 model Thunderbird's were my thing, while my good friend at the time was into Mustangs and drove several including a really nice 66 GT convertible. Then a neighbor who collected Ferrari’s got me interested in Ferrari’s for a short while ( although I never owned one myself) I did let him park one of his in my garage as he didn’t have room for all of his. Then in the early 90s I enjoyed special rare low millage collectibles but I have always had a special place in my heart for old Ambulances.

I never was into muscle cars or corvettes but I knew plenty of people who were. There are so many car clubs out there and so many different cars to enjoy. I also remember when Hemmings Motor News was the only real communication in classic cars before the internet and almost all the thumbnail images were black and white but now we can enjoy so many different types of cars with all the images and stories on the internet in full color and in mega pixels that double in size each month.

It’s funny to me how some of those collector cars like the Ferrari’s are fetching upwards of 15-25 million apiece now and some of those old Duesenberg's are bringing a few million too while an old hearse might bring in a few grand if you’re lucky unless it’s one of those super rare carved models fully restored then maybe up to $80,000.00 to $100,000.00 and in some cases just as nice as some of those high priced cars I just mentioned.

 

[John ED Renstrom]

I miss my 68. but I love my 92. the big change I have seen is the exception of our cars in the mainstream car clubs. we are bring home the gold at Packard meets the Cadillac-LaSalle club and home town car shows on a regaler bases.

not to knock anyone else but lets face it everyone loves Halloween but most only in October. keeping our standards with out mean mouthing the other groups is what has gotten us there. most of the time our cars are in better condition then others at the meet. now when we quit getting knocked for our standards we will have made it.

 

[Rick Franklin]

At yesterdays "Club day"portion of the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours, a 1959 S&S Cadillac took BEST OF SHOW from the concours committee & was invited back today for the big boys competition!

 

[Bill Marcy]

At yesterdays "Club day"portion of the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours, a 1959 S&S CAdillac took BEST OF SHOW from the concours committee & was invited back today for the big boys competition!

That is exactly what I am talking about!