While it's 70 years old now, this military vehicle was practically a spaceship in its day.
Bob Dyke's 1955 Chrysler M43 CDN Ambulance may not have bluetooth, or an aux cord, or CD player, or even a cassette player, but it has more amenities than anyone would expect from a vehicle designed during the Korean War.
Not only does it come equipped with bunk beds that can be lowered and utilized outside the vehicle, it's also equipped with a gas furnace, NATO compliant electrical hookups for appliances and radios, is four wheel drive, and is electronically sealed for water traversal.
"The whole truck is made for mud and for water," said Dyke. "On one of the fenders is a plug you can knock out for a snorkle attachment for the air filter."
Under the hood, this unit runs a Chrysler flathead six 251. It has a manual four speed transmission, feeding power down to a two speed transfer case. Dyke noted that the engine was a working class unit, found in tractors, welders, and even water pumps.
"A lot of farm folks will look at it and go "Hey, I know that motor!," laughed Dyke.
Dyke also noted that when in low gear, the pedal can be flat to the floor, and you could get out and walk faster than the ambulance moves. Combined with the four wheel drive, this machine is determined to make it no matter what.
"It's made to crawl up a mountain with an elephant on its back," said Dyke.
He is currently running era appropriate non-directional military tires. They can be installed on any corner of the vehicle, and are the originals it came with, save for one tire from 1958.
Back inside the engine bay, the truck is missing a few options that could be installed at factory. Dyke will show people where there is pre-cut spots for an exhaust on an optional gas furnace that would have been used to heat the engine compartment and the cab, particularly in cold climate deployments.
"I laugh because it' a Canadian issue truck, so it came with the 'cold weather package'," said Dyke. "So it had start assist and everything on it, but no heater. There is one in the back for patients, but nothing for the driver."
The heater for patients is a gas fired unit, which has it's own exhaust. The ventilation in the back of the ambulance resembles something you might find in a classroom or shop, with slats running the length of the compartment.
One of the more unique features of this vehicle is it's NATO compliant electronics. Everything is wired for 24V, and it has an exterior hookup that can not only provide power for equipment, but can also be used to plug other NATO compliant vehicles together for power sharing or even a boost.
"This plug is a new one I put on it," said Dyke. "I've rewired the whole thing."
A person might think getting parts for such an old, niche vehicle would be a hassle. Dyke says it's the exact opposite.
"That's the whacky part," said Dyke. "I have a 1974 Pontiac Coach Ambulance, and it's harder to get parts for that than it is for this one from 1955."
Dyke says he can usually find the part he needs for the older ambulance in 20 minutes online.
The 55 is equipped with era appropriate gurneys, bandages, chemical suppresant canisters, and even still has the deck mounts for when it would have been shipped by train. Dyke has had many offers from people who want to turn it into an off roading mud machine, or who have other plans for it. He has no interest in anything like that, happy to honour the legacy it carries.
"My dad and uncle served," said Dyke. "And then so did my daughter. My life didn't go that direction, but it's always been something I admired."
While he did not serve in the Armed Forces himself, he was a paramedic for 40 years. He often drives the ambulance in military events and parades, such as those held by the Local Legion Branch 56 in Swift Current.
"A guy grew up watching emergency crews, or grew up watching M.A.S.H," said Dyke. "It's always been a fascination, so when I had the chance to buy one, I did. If I was rich and eccentric, I wouldn't mind having one of every issue Canada has ever had."
He has had the ambulance for 15 years. It's his goal to keep it going, and keep it as close to original as possible.
If you see him at a show, or after a parade or event, stop by and ask for the full tour to see every detail and trick this unit has tucked away.
Under the Hood is powered by Great West Auto Electric, your local Bumper to Bumper dealer in Swift Current. Long live your car.