1952 DeSoto

Custom Other

Manual

50255642

Clear

Gasoline

Up for Bid: RARE 1952 DeSoto Custom 8 passenger sedan that has been converted for use as an ambulance/ funeral coach by a funeral home in rural Nebraska. Little is known about the history of this vehicle, other than it belonged to a funeral parlor and served the area of Orchard and Pilger Nebraska. There is an 1966 oil change sticker from Pilger that was in the door frame. THERE WERE ONLY 375 DESOTO CUSTOM EIGHT PASSENGER SEDANS BUILT IN 1952, AND ONLY A HANDFUL WERE CONVERTED FOR USE AS AN AMBULANCE. Now about the conversion. There is no body tag on the car to identify who converted this sedan into an ambulance. The right side "B" pillar on the car has a latch that can be opened, and the pillar will swing out with the rear door. OR, the rear door can be opened with the "B" pillar left in place. The "B" pillar can also be removed from the car entirely. (Although the doors will have nothing to latch to) The car has a front bench seat that is split in half. The passenger side of the front bench, and the right side jump seat can be removed from the car to make room for an stretcher. The floor pan has grooves welded in place to hold the wheels of a stretcher. At one time, there was a roof mounted emergency light, two front bumper lights, and an underhood siren. These items were removed years ago. Included in the sale will be replacement items that are listed below. The floor mounted siren button is still in place and mounted on the driver's floorboard. This vehicle is equipped with an inline flathead 6 cylinder engine, fluid drive, and tip toe touch shifting. Basically, a manual transmission with a clutch, that functions as a semi automatic. It is also equipped with an AM radio. Now about the condition of the car. The current mileage on the odometer is 40,XXX. This is believed to be correct based on the oil change stickers, and the fact that the previous owner stored the car, but rarely drove it. The mileage is however, EXEMPT due to age. The door panels, headliner, and seat covers are in excellent condition. The front carpet is badly worn and should be replaced. The rear carpet is faded, but still servicable. The jump seats are also in excellent condition. The chrome is dull in places, but still serviceable. The paint is in fair condition, but has the usual scratches and chips that come with age. All of the glass is in excellent shape. The body has no visible rot anywhere, although there is some SURFACE rust on the frame and undercarriage components. The car does start right up and idles smooth. The tires have good tread on them, but are later radial type blackwalls with porto-walls installed. As with any unrestored vehicle of this vintage, there are a few issues that need to be addressed. They are the following: The front carpet is badly worn. The fuel gauge functions backwards. (probably a polarity issue) The AM radio does not currently work. A parts radio is included. The dome lights don't work. The BRAKES do not work. They functioned when the car was parked, but now there is no pedal pressure even with a full master cylinder. The car is running and moveable using the parking brake, but WILL HAVE TO BE TRAILERED away. Included in the sale are the following items: 1. One Federal Model 17 6 volt BeaconRay emergency light with GLASS DOME. 2. One Federal Type "E" 6 volt mechanical siren. 3. One Sireno #11 6 volt mechanical siren. 4. One pair BLC fog lights with amber and replacement RED bulbs. 5. One pair of vintage STOP lamps in unrestored condition. 6 . One pillar mounted spotlight, with attached rear view mirror. As with any vehicle of this vintage, this car is being sold AS IS WHERE IS and there is NO WARRANTY EXPRESSED or IMPLIED. I make no guarantees about fitness for any particlular purpose. A personal inspection is STRONGLY recommended prior to purchase as it your responsibility to verify condition. The car is currently stored in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Please call the number below to arrange an inspection. I winning bid is a contract to buy, not to inspect. All nonpaying bidders will be reported to Ebay immediately. I retain the right to cancel any and all bids. Anyone with less than 15 positive feedbacks will need to contact me prior to bidding or your bid will be cancelled. I reserve the right to end the auction early, but will not sell the car outside of Ebay until the auction closes. I WILL NOT REVEAL THE RESERVE. The winning bidder is required to make a $500.00 deposit via Paypal within 24 hours of auction end unless prior arrangements are made. Payment is due in full within 7 days by CASH or MONEY ORDER only. No personal checks unless I hold the car and title until all funds clear the bank. It is the buyer's responsibility to make arrangements for shipping. I will sell to US buyers only. Again, the car must be trailered as the brakes do not function. Here is an opportunity to purchase a very RARE and UNIQUE automobile for your collection. I've have decided to sell some of my cars and so my loss is your gain. Anyone with any questions can call (FIVE ONE FIVE) 851 TWO SEVEN FIVE THREE. I will answer all questions to the best of my ability. Thanks for looking... Powered by eBay Turbo ListerThe free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.