Jalopnik
I'm not sure what's up with this neighborhood in Alameda's East End, but the streets have quite a few military vehicles parked in front of Craftsman bungalows. In addition to this Air Force ambulance, there's the Pinzgauer, the Ford GPW Jeep, and another couple of war-wagons I haven't posted yet. Is is some sort of requirement that each block have at least one? Such are the mysteries of the Island City.
I'm sure as hell no expert on these things, but a friend of mine in Orange County had one of these ambulances. His was a former Army machine he bought for $150, had been rolled at least once, and was used only for desert hoonage with a Suicidal Tendencies soundtrack on a bungied-down boombox in the back. The ride was wheelbarrow-over-cobblestones-esque and the top speed was about 50; we'd all scream "MEDIC!" after a particularly spine-compressing bump.
Back when Alameda's Navy base was second only to San Diego's on the West Coast, the skies were full of A-6s and P-3s and the streets were full of gray Navy trucks. You'd also see some Marine Corps vehicles once in a while, but Air Force? Probably this truck would have been vandalized by enraged seamen back in the day. Anchors aweigh!
This ambulance clearly runs (or at least rolls), since I've seen it in different parking spaces, but I have yet to set it rumbling down the ave.
Anyway, other than the general era (1950s) and the Dodge origins, I can't nail down the exact model of this thing. Military-vehicle experts, please fill us in!
Check out that cool Auto Lite blackout headlight! I couldn't see a siren anywhere; if it lacks one, I hope the owner is scouring eBay for a replacement. An ambulance needs a siren!
Comments
Now that's a daily driver.
There's no misplacing the spare tire.
I was wondering when you were going to post this one. I often see it on my evening walks. For some reason I alway think of M*A*S*H 4077. Im waiting for Hawkeye to jump out of it with a martini in hand. Anyway, looking forward to more DOTS gems.
Suicide is Painless!
When I lived in Rochester, I would see a WW2-era Dodge military pickup that someone used as a daily driver. It was intensely badass. I'd love to have one of these trucks, they have loads of character, and possibly also sap.
@TinaChow: That was Army.
My uncle had a 1949 Dodge Powerwagon(pickup) that looked almost exactly like this (front end), although his had farm gearing and wouldn't break 25mph. On the other hand it would pull a redwood out of the ground and you may not notice it was attached.
WOW paint it green and youre living in a MASH Episode
Want. One. Now.
"enraged seamen"
Jalopniks,
Although a member of some high falutin' brands, my love is of all things beater ranging from items with spinning blades, two wheeled to big ex military type 4 bys. Plus I know Spinellis nickname from high school, so let me in.
Jeff Ehoodin (from Maserati
what a beautiful machine. One of the many forms the Dodge Powerwagon took in service of our country. I am sure it runs just fine and while it may not go more then 50- it'll probably do a good 30 while driving over the roofs of other cars in an emergency. These are some of the most honest and enjoyable machines still around. respect. westside.
These usually had some mid 200s ci straight 6, making ~100 hp, but lots or torque. Whatever size those mil-spec pizza cutters are (they're usually 12 ply tires), you can run 38"s without a lift.
That actually makes them more drivable, b/c they came with 5.13s in the diffs. Hard to find new wheels, though as they have the 5 on HUGE lug pattern.
I would kill for one of those. Modern Cummins + 6speed + some interior work and you'd have one badass camping rig. (No exterior modifications, though)
Driver's-side impact airbag, of sorts...
Wasn't this Dodge the basis for several variations, like troop carriers and half-tracks? Don't suppose they'd allow a half-track even on that island of yours.
What's that box on the front right fender?
@brandegee:
Looks like a gas can.
I love old military hardware like that. Nice to see it still rolling.
Leave it as it is and save all your money for necessary back surgery, dental work etc.
Whats the bet that the guy who rocks this wears an Armani suit and carries a briefcase?
Sweet jeebus, this is the kind of ambulance we ought to have in New York City. A-hole drivers might not pull aside for flashing lights and a siren, but they would probably pull aside for a BIG-ASS MONSTER TRUCK ABOUT TO DRIVE OVER THEIR PRECIOUS STATUS SYMBOL.
Yes, I'm bitter about this.
I'm putting two of these in my Fantasy Garage (one stock, period correct and one Dakar/Baja/Apocalypse ready custom with living quarters in the back, an 800-or-so horsepower Cummins 5.9L under the hood and rock-crawler-grade rolling stock on the hubs).
@Subaru Axle: Now, even my wounded cow can fit in there.
Murilee, this is beautiful. The siren on most of the old ambulances (like my '66 Pontiac Superior!) is under the hood. They're plenty loud to make it through the radiator and then over a few blocks radius. The only other awesome mounting point would be the driver's side fender.
The roof is only good for lights. Lots of flashing lights. Optionally, an electronic horn siren, but something this old really just begs for a mechanical siren. My '66 has both - underhood mechanical and rooftop electronic.
Now THAT's a TRUCK.
This is my new favorite for Manliest Vehicle. (Runner-up is still whatever I'm driving.)
It looks like a 1953 M43. I just bought one: some quick specs:
230ci straight 6
7200 lbs gvw, can carry 1500
4 stretchers in back
spot light on roof (to look for casualties)
4x4 hi/lo
4 spd unsychronized manual tranny (anyone know how to double-clutch?)
no siren
some had a PTO under left front bumper
24 volt electrical (2 batteries)
entire vehicle is water proof (optional snorkels for carb/exhaust allowed it to be driven in water up to driver's neck!)
top speed, maybe 50
check out the more popular Dodge M37
I have one I need to sell. '58 or '59, if I recall. It isn't currently running, spun a bearing at 13,000 miles (they tend to do that - lots to pull for an inline 6). I do have a rebuilt motor for it, though. Just never put it in. Most of these were converted to campers, this one was not. It still has beds in the back, plus the surgical lamp. It is painted this funky home-job desert camo, I had intentions of restoring it to OD green. It does have some 50 cal bullet holes in it. Truck is in Colorado, email me at madcapcelt@msn.com if you are interested. She needs to go to someone who has the time to finish her.
p.s. Yes, you will need to know how to double clutch.
Susie
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