New to the Shilo Museum:WW1 Cadillac Ambulance

[rob love]

I went to another local museum (Elkhorn Automobile Museum) today to pick up a vehicle they de-accessioned and transferred to our museum. It is a 1912 Canadian military ambulance which has been in storage since 1949. Where some could see a forlorn looking vehicle, I only see a gem. The spokes of the wheels are all solid, the lamps are all there, and most if not all the rear military woodwork is still there including two of the three bows still in place and the third in the back of the ambulance.

The engine is reported as siezed, so that may well be the biggest challenge, we'll see. Tomorrow I'll start cleaning out the back and see what all is in there. I am pretty sure I saw the original tarpaulin hiding in the back. The original rad and folding hood are all present, as is the front windshield frame and the top bows.

Enough talking, here are some photos.

[rob love]

Pretty much all the srufaces and boxes have either khaki or hints of khaki paint on them. At some point it was repainted yellow although most of that has flaked off now. There is lettering on the sides which I hoped would reveal some of it's military history, however it turns out it reads "Osbourne Garage phone 2330" or something similar.

Apologies for the dark photos, we just got it to the shop an hour ago, and as it was the end of the day did not turn on the lights.

Hopefully we can find some photos of similar ambulances in Canadian service, unless this one was a "one off".

[lynx42]

Originally Posted by rob love

Hopefully we can find some photos of similar ambulances in Canadian service, unless this one was a "one off".

What a great acquisition for the museum , Rob. Is the plan to restore or to conserve it as it is with enough work to get it usable?

You might find that some wealthy person or organization donated their car to the cause and that it was converted to the ambulance you see today. There are quite a few recorded that way in England and many were on Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost chassis as like the Cadillac, the long chassis length was needed to enable stretchers to be fitted behind the front seat.

I will watch with interest.

Regards Rick

[lynx42]

I just had another look at the photos of this fantastic WWI relic and I wonder if it is in fact not an ambulance but a general service utility. It looks to be a bit short for stretchers and the rear access is limited for the stretchers as well.

There were many Dodge vehicles fitted with a similar body used by the USA forces during WWI.

An interesting conundrum.

Regards Rick

[rob love]

The plan will be to bring it to the level of running restoration. Things like the wooden firewall are too far gone to be saves, but 90% of the woodwork in the back just needs some of the extra nails etc removed and some fresh paint. Luckily the two tire sizes are both available, so hopefully it will be rolling within a few weeks. Engine work will come later.

I have heard tale of that one of the small towns bought their unit an ambulance. The signage that was with this vehicle mentioned it was used at camp Hughes, which is just next to Shilo. What the real story is will hopefully come out at some point.

[David Dunlop]

Rob.

A quick look on the web tonight suggests that most ambulance markings on WW1 equipment with canvas tops, were, in fact, on the canvas, so if the original top is still with the vehicle, it may have some answers for you.

Nice find!

David

[rob love]

I missed Rick's earlier post where he mentioned it could be an early GS. I have to admit the thought crossed through my mind as well when I looked at that narrow rear entrance. Hopefully the tarpaulin will tell me more. Pretty much all the Cdn ambs that I could find photos of had solid bodies, and not hoops and canvas.

Either way I have to admit I am quite excited by the prospect of working on this one. The state of preservation on the wood is remarkable.