1959 Cadillac

Ambulance Other

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

59Z087566

Clear

Gasoline

Many people describe a vehicle as "rare" but I can tell you that the experts in the field of 1959 Cadillacs and Professional Cars tell me that they have NEVER seen anything like this. What you are looking at is not a plastic model. Nor is it the product of some local body shop's fantasy. This is the REAL DEAL. A 1959 S&S (Hess & Eisenhardt) High Top/High Body Ambulance in as close to original condition as I could restore her. Search Google or any other search engine and you will not find another or even a photo (except perhaps photos of this one that I submitted to a Professional Car website). Though I cannot be sure, I'm told this may very well be the only one in the world. The lineage on this 1959 S&S High Body Ambulance is somewhat vague. It had a “trip log” book when I bought it, but unfortunately, the restoration shop lost it (oops). At the time, and based on the trip log, the fully intact interior, etc. it appeared that actual mileage was around 80k. It also appeared from the log that it was not used during the winter, but there was no explanation given, just a lack of any entries from mid-October through mid-April. There were also no entries after 1964 or 1965 (I cannot recall exactly), so that may have been when she was put out to pasture. When I purchased the car, I believe that it was literally a barn find. I had been looking for a 1959 Cadillac convertible, spotted an ad many years back, and thought “What the heck?” When it arrived, I experienced a "What have I done" moment. The car was HUGE and filthy, covered in a thick layer of dirt and dust. But, after carefully checking it out, it appeared that indeed everything was intact and, after having a local shop change all fluids, properly lubricate and flushing the system, it started right up... I hate to admit it, but owning a surf company, it had been my intention to complete a radical conversion to a surf-themed limousine, removing the original interior to install a sofa, flat-screen and a Tiki bar since it has a divider window. But I love, respect and appreciate old cars and wanted to get some more information before I started. And, as you can imagine, the more I learned about this particular car, I decided that I could not be the one to corrupt the integrity of the vehicle. So I readily abandoned the idea of the limo, and set about to undertake an authentic restoration of what appeared to be one of very few (if not the only) surviving 1959 S&S High Body Ambulances in existence. Now that I’m hooked, for the last decade or so, I have done regular almost-daily searches to try to find another like mine, along with contacting numerous authorities (including Walt McCall of “The Professional Car” and “Classic American Ambulances & Funeral Coaches” fame). It now appears that this may very well be the only example of a ‘59 S&S High Body Ambulance that any of these experts (and even long-term folks at Hess & Eisenhardt - S&S) have ever heard of. So, we started the restoration. It was a horrendously long and stunningly expensive process. We found moderate rust in the rocker panels, and could not find replacements so we removed the panels and fabricated new ones. There was also some surface rust (with pinhole penetrations) in the floor pans at the driver/passenger’s feet. We completely cut it out and replaced with new pans (one purchased, one fabricated), welded them in and undercoated top & bottom. I have not seen any other rust on the car or any evidence that it has ever been in any type of accident or had any bodywork done. When she was stripped to bare metal, she was very clean and straight (I say "She" because this car is the size of an ocean liner). Then the process of taking the thing apart and organizing the incredible volume of parts began. To make a looooong story short, it took years to remove everything, sand to bare metal (exposing the original white over red paint pattern in the process), strip and re-chrome everything, polish all stainless, fix the wiring, completely replace the interior (with exact materials/stitch patterns), replace all glass with new (except rear curved window, which was perfectly clean and clear), etc, etc. We did not touch the engine or tranny other than to install a new carb. I believe this is the original engine and transmission. I'm happy to provide any numbers or information that I can. I can also send much higher resolution photos, but used smaller shots to facilitate loading on eBay.The glass (fabricated flat glass using original as pattern and NOS windshield) is crystal clear, the hundreds of pieces of chrome stainless beautiful. In fact, my chrome man said it had more chrome & stainless than any three vehicles he had ever done combined. The interior was in surprisingly good shape, but I replaced it in a perfect restoration for that “new car” smell. The Paint has a deep luster, the wiring restored, etc. You get the picture. I did not restore this with the intention of ever selling her. I always used the people in my area who are considered the best in the business for their particular skill. I built it for keeps and I’ve always been a “Do it once, do it right” guy. But the reality is, it is too damn large to be practical for me. At over 21’ and 7’ tall, she doesn’t even fit into my garage with the Federal roof dome installed. And when we go out to lunch or a weekend drive up the coast (like driving a cruise ship), it draws so much attention it is almost overwhelming. As a result, I’ve decided that she should go to someone who will appreciate her as much as I do, but really give her a better home where she can be enjoyed. Every source I have contacted indicated that the S&S Ambulance by Hess & Eisenhardt represented the absolute crème-de-la-crème of the genre and that this would have been the pinnacle of professional cars for the era. More than one expert has independently referred to it as “The Holy Grail of Pro Cars”. Well, that’s the short version of a very long story. It has been informative and fun to restore this car, and I was thrilled to discover just how unique and rare she is. Seeing the attention to detail throughout, my hat is off to the Hess & Eisenhardt Company. They didn’t just build an ambulance; they created a work of art, an irreplaceable tribute to America in the late 1950’s. I have tried to do her justice and have had quite an adventure in the process. I hope that you like her and wish you could see her in person. I assure you, she is literally awesome to behold! Ask me anything, but please don't ask me about the reserve price or try to steal her before the end of the auction. She is not going to sell cheap, but I can tell you this is a once in a lifetime chance to buy this particular vehicle and someone will get a solid investment at a reasonable price. I honestly have no idea what she's worth. Even the "experts" have guesstimated over a broad range. In the end, everything boils down to supply and demand. I don't know about the demand, but I can tell you that on the supply side, I believe that she's the only one! Vehicle may be sold before end of auction. Condition Disclaimer I'm not a dealer, and this is the first car I'm selling on eBay. But I am an honest person and I have described the ambulance to the best of my ability. However, as with all pre-owned automobiles, the condition is subjective, so I recommend that the potential buyer fly out to inspect her before finalizing purchase. If your personal inspection is not possible, I will be glad to help facilitate an inspection by your chosen local independent service center. Remember, the car is over 50 years old, is not perfect and sold in "AS IS" condition. There are no mechanical guarantees expressed or implied. There are still some things that need to be done, details here and there. But the vast majority has been done and I've spent a lot of time and money getting her to this point. Things you should know: Moderate rust in original rocker panel below doors was cut out, replaced and reinforced. It looks good, but is not original. Car needs new door rubber for all doors. Needs spotlights to be rewired/connected. There was minimal surface rust in drivers/passenger floorpans which was completely cut out, replaced and rewelded. No other signs of rust that I'm aware of. Completely undercoated. Missing original cigarette lighter. Needs new glove box liner. It came with non-original top rotation light. I purchased what I'm told would have been the original Federal rotating beacon, but it is not installed as it makes the vehicle too tall to fit in my garage. The wiring is in place, but I will leave uninstalled to facilitate storage/transport. Interior controls (washer, heater/ac) are very sticky and should be cleaned, rebuilt or replaced. Dash clock does not work. Rear door lock is loose. I have an interior rear view mirror, but it does not appear to be correct for the car. Other than this, I believe that everything is there.ATTENTION BUYERS: I'm not ready to get into any international wires, etc. I don't have the knowhow or the time. I won't do an escrow, or anything that even smells fishy. Please send a local representative and plan to pay in US Dollars. No one gets the keys until all funds have cleared my bank. I reserve the right to sell her locally and am ready to answer your questions to the best of my ability. On Sep-02-10 at 17:45:14 PDT, seller added the following information: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, SEND ME YOUR EMAIL AND I'LL SEND YOU A FEW DOZEN HI-RESOLUTION PHOTOS. There are a lot of people "watching" this auction, so if you have questions or want help, please don't wait until the last hours. Thanks, Mark.On Sep-07-10 at 14:22:46 PDT, seller added the following information: GREAT NEWS! I LOWERED THE RESERVE BIG TIME TO SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE CURRENT BID AMOUNT. I DID THIS SO EVERYONE WOULD KNOW THAT THIS CAR WILL BE SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER. I'M NOT JUST TESTING THE MARKET! And remember, if you are the lucky successful bidder, you must have the money available and pay in full within 72 hours of auction completion. Also, please make arrangements to have her shipped in a reasonable amount of time (I can keep her safe and warm for up to two weeks). I have described her as best I can, but she is sold as is. You are encouraged to come to Laguna Beach and check her out or feel free to have your representative stop by PRIOR TO BIDDING! IF YOU WANT TO SPEAK WITH ME, SEND ME AN EMAIL AND I'LL SEND MY PHONE # AND MY PERSONAL EMAIL.