For Sale: 1972 Oldsmobile 98 in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1972 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight Cotner-Bevington Ambulance

"Cotner-Bevington Corporation was a coach builder formed in 1959 when Comet Coach Company of Memphis, Tennessee sold the rights to the Comet name to Ford Motor Company, and moved 68 miles north to a new factory in Blytheville, Arkansas. While having built Chevrolet and Buick based coaches from 1959-1962, the company was most widely known for specializing in Oldsmobiles. The 1973 EMS Systems Act, (which was passed in 1974 and enacted in 1978), spelled doom for passenger car based ambulances in favor of truck and van based modular ambulances." Thx TheRoadWorthy.com

For consignment, a 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight Cotner-Bevington ambulance with a title verified 22,001 actual miles. According to our consigner, this ambulance was owned by the U.S. Army and stationed in Texas and was once featured in Military Vehicle Magazine.

Exterior
Striking in height and length, it only makes sense that ambulances ended up using trucks, but in this era, this was the layout. An extended top over long, steel panels and fender skirts for extra aerodynamics when rushing to the scene! Big red emergency lights on a bar over the windshield teams with the "cherry top" on the center of the roof to be seen 360 degrees and long before the advent of LED and strobes, this is how ambulances were adorned. White paint is accompanied by an orange stripe with an EKG graphic the entire length and on the rear decklid, the Star of Life, reserved for emergency vehicles. 15-inch wheels wear proper wheel covers and 235/75R15 tires. Imperfections are limited to various scratches, some minor pitting on the door handles, and some general patina. Overall however, it's in great shape!

Interior
Let's start in the front where olive green door panels with stamped stitched design present cleanly and include window cranks, opening the cabin to a green vinyl bench with much of the same pattern and in excellent condition. The steering wheel and dash are accented with woodgrain and instruments cant towards the driver with a square speedometer in center and requisite Federal siren/PA system mounted right and CB/intercom mounted lower. A few extra gauges have been added to provide more modern monitoring of the engine and a sliding window exists behind the bench for. The business end of the unit has Formica cabinetry, counters, an attendant and nurse chairs, a stretcher, and the various operational equipment needed to stabilize a patient, all over a Formica floor with a storage compartment underneath. The white headliner above shows some discoloration but remains fully intact. Curtains, rather than tint, line the windows for privacy.

Drivetrain
Under the long hood, a big 455ci V8 presents cleanly, with a 4-barrel carburetor and a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission behind it. Power is sent long distance to the 12 bolt in back.

Undercarriage
Our ceiling wouldn't allow this tall wagon to take a ride on our lift, so we view from the ground where typical surface rust and patina are present along with dry conditions. Power brakes are supplied to this rig with disc up front and drums in back. A single exhaust flows through a stock style muffler and exits behind the right rear wheel. Suspension consists of coil springs front and rear with a 4 link in back.

Drive-Ability
Ambulance drivers back in the day, many of which were volunteers, received some training to navigate this larger than life vehicle. It does take a minute to get used to, after which is just like rowing a 1972 four door Delta 88! The ambulance runs well, tracks straight, and turns with the lean you would expect. All functions on board operate except the PA system so that bit of fun will have to wait. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

If you've ever seen one of these at a car show, you'll see which car kids want to climb in first. They're always a big hit and becoming increasingly rare. There are, however, clubs that support the interest, including the Professional Car Society on Facebook. This is a nicely preserved example of a purpose built Oldsmobile that could probably tell some stories, but with just 22,000 miles, not many.

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!