Navy Meets Nostalgia: The Life Journey of a 1951 Packard Ambulance
This ain’t just your typical vintage car story. Meet the 1951 Packard that started its life with the US Navy and was gloriously transformed into an ambulance by the Henney Motor Company. Way back in Illinois, this vehicle was quite the star, rolling in service for nearly two decades before landing in the hands of the fire department of Sparta, North Carolina, in the groovy 1970s. Then, in a plot twist worthy of any Hollywood script, it huddled in a barn for 25 years post-1993, only to be rescued and revived on BaT in February 2019.
The Brawn Under the Bonnet
Under all that vintage charm lies a 327ci flathead straight-eight engine paired with a column-shift 3-speed manual gearbox. The beast was spruced up by its current owner with a full makeover: think a rebuilt water pump, brake master cylinder, fresh tires, and a few other bits and bobs. It’s all part of giving this classic its mojo back.
A Colorful Past: From Naval Gray to Fire Engine Red
The Henney Motor Company, famed for crafting ambulance and limo bodies back in the day, laid the foundational work on a beefed-up Packard chassis. What started as a sleek gray number serving Uncle Sam was later revamped in the 70s to a fiery red, fit for firefighting.
Did you know? The Henney weaved together ultimate class and utility, a far cry from today’s Skoda Roomster or Mercedes E-Class.
The current red paint tells tales of its yer-round service even now; with weathered looks and added flair like a hood ornament. Just don’t zoom too much or you’ll spot the age wrinkles—rust and the occasional crack in the glass.
Sturdy Frame, Modern Features
With a solid axle upheld by leaf springs and cozy rear coil springs, this ambulance wasn’t designed for the faint of heart. Its recent updates included a newly rebuilt brake master cylinder and spanking new rear shocks. And while the Skoda Roomster might flaunt compact efficiency, the Packard clings to its 16″ steel wheels shod with reproduction Firestone and Power King extra-traction rubbers—a nod to a bygone era of rugged functionality.
Rolling on Rich History
The inside screams vintage: a bench seat in brown vinyl that bears the scars of the passing years. A broken siren, a defunct heater blower, and a wonky turn signal switch are all part of the charm. This vehicle even sports a two-spoke steering wheel framing retro speedometers and gauges.
Alert for tech enthusiasts: Mileage is anyone’s guess with just a five-digit odometer!
The Heart of the Matter
Let’s get technical—the 327ci engine boasts a Carter carburetor, plus recent replacements in everything from spark plugs to radiator hose snake. And more parts like alternator belts and manifold gaskets complete the mechanical marvel.
Keeping the Wheels Turning
Injector of power to rear wheels, a quirky 3-speed manual transmission, supported by revamped linkage, rear differential, and fresh driveshaft mount. The title, a blend of stats from engine and serial numbers, might just rival the quirks of a Mercedes E-Class.
This Packard Henney ambulance is not just an ordinary transport relic sitting in someone’s collection. It’s a ride through history, meticulously preserved, and lovingly restored. Now, with all its idiosyncrasies and peculiarities intact, it stands as a testament to the glam days when vehicles were more than just a means to an end; they were art, heart, and heritage on wheels.