 |
|
I bought this 1968 Superior Rescuer from PCS member Bill Shannon of Mobile, AL. Tom Hutton and I flew to Mobile in May of 1999 and we took turns driving the Superior back home (Venice, FL). It required a full patient compartment and exterior restoration. The project was finished in April, 2000. Ultimately the car became a national AACA winner at a national meet here in Sarasota in 2002. In this photo, the car looked great but had some small spots that were needing attention. It was also old enamel paint. The car originally was American LaFrance Red when built, then painted white and Omaha Orange for the 4th owner...the first collector to own it (Tony and David Karsnia of MN) brought it back to red and white.
|
During Restoration
The restoration was elaborate. The hood and side doors were removed. Rust was removed from various visible parts of the car as well as the floor pans. The interior was restored with the correct vinyl print for ambulances of that era.
|
The license plate is a Florida specialty plate for the Sheriff's Youth Ranches. TEN71 is the code for "send an ambulance."
|
After
Photo credit: Dave Weaver (Red Wagon Productions of Chicago)
|
Interior
The driver compartment and this seat in the patient compartment were in great shape and did not require any attention in the restoration.
|
Station 21
Here the Caddy sits poised at Sarasota County Fire Station 21 in Venice.
|
|
The ambulance has a "coaster" siren (Federal C6) built into the Sola-Ray roof light(flashing above), and a Federal electonic siren with twin 100 watt speakers. Plenty loud! The motrac radio actually works!
|
This car "moved on" to new owners the Rapisarda family (Midwood Ambulance and Lifeliner Ambulance) of New York City in January, 2003. Two days before this historic ambulance left Venice, my 3rd historic emergency vehicle arrived...a 1966 GMC rescue truck. They are the 9th owners of this car. It started its life with FM Ambulance in Fargo ND and Moorhead, MN. (original cost $13,481).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
