1949 Chevy Ambulance/Hearse

“Street Dreams” Owned by John Leurck Cincinnati, Ohio

From John :

I have this nice 1949 Chevy Ambulance / Hearse, all original except for the rims. This vehicle came all the way from South Dakota to find me.

The Hearse was purchased at an auction. In the glove box was many years of registration papers for the same person in South Dakota. Also in the glove box was the owners manual (pretty cool!).

On the Chevy's fenders and medicine cabinet in the back is the name “Barnette” -- must be the builder?

This vehicle is solid from bottom to top. When I first raised the hood, I noticed there was no rust on the top edge of the hood lip. That surprised me. So I took it up another level and felt behind the bumpers. Wow, no rust there either.

This Advance Design Stovebolt has a 216 cubic inch straight 6 cylinder, 3 speed transmission, and still has the 6 volt system.

The vinyl interior is showing its age and is something I will have to deal with eventually. [ Interior photo ]

The vehicle is a pleasure to drive and is very smooth. I have owned it for over a year, and built a pole barn for her to rest in. I made the pole barn 24 feet deep to hold her 21 foot overall length.

Two more photos: good fall shot and one at a ... cemetery !! (I didn't crop these photos because the setting is very cool, too! Wish I had a cool smilie to go with this!! ~ Editor)

I still have a lot to learn about the Hearse. The side doors measure four feet long. I'm trying to figure out how much of a stretch this is? I am guessing this was built from a Fleetline?? The back door has a nasty dent in it. Maybe some day I will find one or have to get this one straightened out.

I’m still searching for more history on the Hearse. I may make a bold move and try to contact the previous owner. If I have any luck, I will add an update.

I live in Cincinnati, Ohio (born here in 1961). I had the Chevy at our “Pumpkin Run” car show this year. They had a turnout of over 2,700 cars. What a great time!

Sincerely,

John

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