1952 Packard Henney Junior Ambulance

288ci "Thunderbolt" L-Head I8 | 3-Speed Manual Column-Shift | Pilot/Prototype Vehicle — 1 of 3 Ever Built

Extended Warranty
LOT #

260762691

Antique Vehicle

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OFF MARKET VEHICLE
All the information and photos on this listing are from when this vehicle was originally listed on ExoticCarTrader.com
Make:
Model:
VIN:
253320118
Lot Number:
260762691
Condition:
Used
Odometer:
35,585 miles
(Exempt / TMU)
Engine:
288ci I8
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Transmission:
Manual/Standard
Exterior Color:
Gray
Interior Color:
Brown
Vinyl Wrap:
Vehicle Location:
Florida
  • 1952 Packard Henney Junior Ambulance (Pilot Prototype Serial #3)
  • 288ci "Thunderbolt" L-Head I8
  • Single Carburetor
  • 3-Speed Manual Column-Shift
  • RWD
  • Gray Exterior
  • Brown Naagahyde Interior
  • Packard 25th Series Chassis (Model 2533)
  • Pilot/Prototype Vehicle — Serial No. 3 of 3 Built
  • Military Ambulance Configuration
  • Henney Coachbuilt Ambulance Body
  • 127" Wheelbase
  • Unique Rooftop Ventilator
  • United States Air Force Service Vehicle
  • Custom Paint Job (In Original Color)

Extras Included in the Sale

  • Vehicle Documentation

Overview of 1952 Packard Henney Junior Ambulance For Sale by Owner

This 1952 Packard Henney Junior Ambulance represents a rare piece of American emergency vehicle history, serving as Pilot/Prototype Serial No. 3 of only three 1952 pilot models produced. Developed through a collaboration between Packard Motor Company and John W. Henney & Company, the Junior Ambulance was designed as a smaller and more economical alternative to traditional full-size ambulances. According to the provided documentation, this vehicle carries the unusual 25th Series Packard chassis designation (Model 2533) and was one of the earliest examples built before production continued into the 1953 and 1954 model years. Powered by Packard’s 288ci “Thunderbolt” inline-eight engine and featuring its original military-inspired configuration, this example served with the United States Air Force before spending decades in storage. With approximately 35,585 miles shown, this Henney Junior Ambulance stands out as a historically significant prototype with documented military service, coachbuilt construction, and unique features including its distinctive rooftop ventilator.

Exterior and Interior

The exterior of this 1952 Packard Henney Junior Ambulance is finished in Gray and features the distinctive Henney coachbuilt ambulance body mounted on the Packard 25th Series chassis. As one of the three 1952 pilot vehicles, this example carries several unique characteristics separating it from later production models, including a military-style configuration and a rooftop ventilator reportedly found on no other Henney Junior Ambulance. According to the provided documentation, the vehicle was painted back to its original factory-issued gray color during work performed by a previous owner. The interior of this 1952 Packard Henney Junior Ambulance is finished in Brown Naugahyde and reflects its purpose-built emergency service design. The vehicle retains its period-correct ambulance layout and historical connection to United States Air Force service. Included documentation notes that the vehicle was assigned to Air Force duties for approximately three years before being placed into long-term storage, preserving its significance as a rare military-service Packard.

Engine

Powering this 1952 Packard Henney Junior Ambulance is Packard’s 288ci “Thunderbolt” L-Head inline eight-cylinder engine, featuring a single carburetor and producing approximately 135 horsepower. The engine is paired with a 3-speed manual column-shift transmission sending power to the rear wheels. Built on Packard’s 25th Series chassis, this Junior Ambulance combines Packard’s traditional straight-eight durability with Henney’s specialized coachbuilding, creating a unique example of early postwar emergency vehicle engineering. According to the provided documentation, this prototype was sold to the United States Air Force after Henney faced production challenges and later remained in storage for approximately 40 years before refreshment and preservation efforts began.

Walk-around Video of this Packard Henney

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