1955 Ford Panel Truck Ambulance " Trinity County, CA " Coachbuilt Conversion " Y-Block V8

Some vehicles are restored.

Others are remembered.

This 1955 Ford Panel Truck, originally converted into an ambulance and later used in Trinity County Search & Rescue, is one of those rare survivors that carries not just history "but personality, community, and decades of real life behind it.

Now offered on consignment at $49995.



From Workhorse to Lifesaver " 1955 Origins

In 1955, this truck began as a standard Ford panel before being:
Purchased new by Trinity County, California from Lou Gerard Motors in Redding, California
Sent to Siebert Coachworks in Toledo, Ohio for professional ambulance conversion

During the conversion:
The body was modified ( chopped )
Two additional doors were added, creating a rare four-door ambulance configuration

It was then returned to Northern California and immediately placed into service "first as an ambulance, and later in Search & Rescue operations, serving the community when it mattered most.



The Gastronomic Tour " A True American Story

Included handwritten notes document one of the most unique delivery stories you ll come across:

In June 1955, the driver tasked with retrieving the newly converted ambulance made the cross-country trip back to Weaverville.

That seven-day journey, courtesy of Ford, became locally known as:

The Gastronomic Tour

Named after the driver s well-known love of food, the trip became a rolling culinary adventure across America.

When the truck arrived "it went straight into emergency service.



Forgotten Then Saved

After years of service:
Stored outdoors in a county maintenance yard
Windows broken and body showing signs of wear

Then came the turning point:
Purchased at a county employee auction for just $500

What followed was not a flip "but a true rescue and restoration.



Three-Year Restoration & Lifetime Ownership

The current owners "now in their 80s "brought the truck home and spent three years restoring it.
Carefully brought back to life over time
Custom interior upholstery
Custom wheels
Power assist steering added

This has been a long-term, enthusiast-owned vehicle, not something recently turned for profit.



The Show Circuit Years " More Than a Vehicle

For years, this truck wasn t just displayed "it was experienced.

The owners became well-known at car shows for:
Dressing as a doctor and nurse
Turning the ambulance into a fully interactive display
Creating lasting memories with families, kids, and fellow enthusiasts

This truck didn t just sit "it connected people.



Drivetrain & Mechanical
Ford Y-block V8 (likely 292ci)
3-speed manual transmission
Power steering
Shut-off switch installed

The engine bay presents well and reflects a usable, maintained classic.



Condition

This is a restored, driver-quality vintage ambulance with authentic character throughout.

Needs:
Fuel gauge not working
Sending unit in tank needed



Consignment & Representation

This vehicle is being offered on consignment through Platt Motors, a highly respected and transparent classic car dealership with a family legacy dating back to 1931.

Platt Motors has built a reputation as a true pioneer in the automobile industry "specializing in honest, straightforward transactions and representing unique, story-driven vehicles just like this one.



Why This One Stands Apart

You can buy a classic truck.

You can buy an old ambulance.

But it s incredibly rare to find one with:
Documented municipal ambulance & Search & Rescue history
Lou Gerard Motors original sale provenance
Coachbuilt Siebert conversion
Period story like the Gastronomic Tour
Decades of continuous ownership
A vehicle that lived a second life as a car show centerpiece



Final Thought

This isn t just a 1955 Ford.

It s a lifesaver, a storyteller, and a rolling piece of Americana "ready for its next chapter.



See our full inventory at plattmotors.com