Restoration of the Chevy Ambulance From Emergency!

On the 1970s TV show Emergency!, the Mayfair ambulance company provided the transport for the paramedics of Squad 51 and their patients. Often seen on these episodes was a 1970 Chevy Suburban ambulance with a body built by Stoner. The Los Angeles County Fire Museum, located in Bellflower, California, recently completed a full restoration of the vehicle in honor of the TV show’s 50th anniversary.

The ambulance was found in early 2020 in an auto lot in awful shape. The paint on the front fender and hood didn’t match the body, and rust and decay were everywhere. Through private fundraising and the work of volunteers, efforts began to restore it.

The rebuild started on October 9, 2020 in the museum shop. Museum volunteers spent hundreds of hours stripping down and rebuilding the ambulance. This included the motor, frame, interiors, seating, paint, and electronics. They even added an original Ferno stretcher. For extra realism they added monogrammed sheets from the fictional Rampart General Hospital. 

The rebuild was completed on January 14, 2022. The ambulance is on display at the museum and is now fully restored and drivable in its original shape.

See also:

• The Medic Who Taught Johnny and Roy
• An EMS History and Emergency! Tour Through the Los Angeles County Fire Museum
• The Kevin Woyjeck Explorers for Life Association

Barry Bachenheimer, EdD, NREMT-FF, is a frequent contributor to EMS World and is a lifelong viewer and fan of Emergency!