1927 Packard Ambulance: A Storied Legacy of Service and Restoration
This 1927 Packard Ambulance is a rare and significant piece of automotive and fire service history. Built on a Packard rolling chassis originally intended for a luxurious 4-door convertible, it was instead transformed into a state-of-the-art enclosed ambulance, serving the Detroit Fire Department for over 30 years. Based out of Firehouse #17, it played a critical role in transporting the city’s sick and injured, embodying the innovation and reliability that Packard was known for during this era.
After its retirement from active service, the ambulance passed through several hands before being purchased in 1972 by Dr. Brantley Vitek, a Virginia physician, at the Hershey, Pennsylvania, collector car event. Dr. Vitek initially acquired it as a novelty vehicle but soon recognized its historical significance and embarked on a meticulous restoration. Life and professional responsibilities delayed the project, but upon his retirement in 2016, he partnered with Sterling Hot Rods to return the ambulance to its original condition. The restoration process, documented in detail in this video showcases the care and precision taken to preserve its authenticity. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDYwuh799Bc )
In 2019, the fully restored ambulance made a triumphant return to Michigan, where it was invited to participate in the Henry Ford Museum’s annual Old Car Festival in Greenfield Village. This event marked a fitting homecoming for a vehicle deeply tied to Detroit’s history. Following Dr. Vitek’s passing, his widow donated the ambulance to the Detroit Fire Department, where it was displayed as a tribute to the department’s legacy. However, due to storage limitations, it was returned to Virginia, where it has since been part of a private collection.
Today, this 1927 Packard Ambulance stands as a testament to Packard’s engineering excellence and the dedication of those who preserved it. Its documented history, from decades of service to its meticulous restoration, makes it an exceptional acquisition for any collector or museum. For those who value automotive history, fire service heritage, or the enduring legacy of Packard, this ambulance represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of the past.
