| Other Stuff |
- Registration
No: ?
- Previous Owners: ?
- Mileage: 70,729
- History: The FE Holden Ambulance left Australia in October 1957 to be shipped to New Zealand where it was assembled. It was converted into an ambulance by Smallbones Brothers in Ashburton and began its working life near by in Saint Andrews , New Zealand. After it was decommissioned it was a private vehicle for many years before it was dumped.
It was rescued in the 1980's by Ian McDougal who restored it back to original standards. The engine was rebuilt at 65 310 miles and when I purchased the ambulance the mileage was 70,729. Ian used the vehicle on car club runs before selling it to fellow member of the Early Holden Car Club of Auckland , Tony and Gai Bishop.
In 2001 it was part of a collection sold to Ebbett Holden to be used as a permanent display. I found out on website www.oldholden.com that the ambulance was the last of the remaining vehicle of the collection. Having an interest in different and quirky vehicles I flew to New Zealand in October 2009 and inspected the vehicle. I did some negotiating on the price but left New Zealand thinking I hadn't bought the vehicle. After further negotiations over the phone a price was settled on and it was imported back to Australia in November 2009.
I am interested in learning more of the history of the ambulance as the information I have is rather limited. Any leads would be much appreciated. This is my first FE Holden but I also own a 1966 HR Premier Sedan and a 1968 HR Hearse. Photos of these can be seen at http://gallery.oldholden.com/hr-hearse
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