That certainly applies to the Citroën DS as it came off the production line, but especially for this structure based on the normal passenger car. This ambulance is very special and probably the only one in the Netherlands. Although the DS ambulances have mainly driven in France and Belgium, examples have also been sporadically in service in England, Sweden and Denmark, and even in our country, as evidenced here.
Ambulance construction in Leeuwarden
This DS was built by the Gebroeders Visser, a family business that built countless ambulances, buses, hearses and many vehicles to customer specifications. In order to preserve the historical heritage, a member of the Visser family is active in tracking down old vehicles built at the company in Leeuwarden and giving them a place in the museum in Oldemarkt. In Auto Motor Klassiek recently published an extensive report on this.
Delighted with the purchase
Auke worked on an offshore oil rig. The workers were taken to their workplace by helicopter. The place of departure and arrival was Den Helder. An attentive viewer has already seen Den Helder on the ambulance door. Upon inquiry it turned out that the car was being sold by the hospital itself, with interested parties having to make a bid in a sealed envelope. Auke's bid was the highest, logical that you if Citroën enthusiast than you are very delighted, because you own a desirable ambulance of French origin with the solid Dutch construction of Visser Leeuwarden.
Officer of the Order of the Citrophils
The fact that his friends have given Auke this title is a confirmation that his collection Citroëns is unique in the Netherlands. Because in addition to the Citroën DS shows off another one too Citroën CX in an ambulance version, 100 percent original.
Sense of excitement
A sense of excitement fills you as the tour of his collection begins. You immediately notice his enormous knowledge of everything related to Citroën has to do with. First of all, we see a Citroën Ami in a beautiful green color that is designed as a pickup. This was specially built to serve as a service car for the Citroëndealer Kruisheer in Heerenveen. Can it be more exclusive?
Historical material
Years of quests through “La douce France” have not only brought many classics to his farm, but also a wealth of fun Citroënitems, such as folder material and parts. An El Dorado for the true enthusiast.
Citrac
Auke is available for parts under the name Citrac, he has an enormous knowledge of Citroën built up and can give advice on repairs or restorations. He can deliver practically anything, new or 2nd hand, especially for the 2cv. The title 'Officer of the Order of Citrofiles' is therefore quite justified.
Text at the 'opening photo' “this structure based on the normal passenger car”, but take a good look, this ambulance is indeed built on a DS Break!
Such a pity that the 'finishing touch' was not considered: blue number plates. But it's still possible.
In the 60s, a ds ambulance also drove with us in Varsseveld. As far as I can remember, not with that 'ugly but of course practical' high structure.
Garage Hofs on the Aaltenseweg was the place where the ambulance had found its place under a large sheet and I believe one of the mechanics had a first aid diploma somewhere while the local first aid chief Mr. Heil was also allowed to drive it from time to time.
Import on order.
Recognizable, found a beautiful DS 1999 ambulance in 21. There was an advertisement in a newspaper in France. Lodeve was the location, our workplace was in Valras Plage. Our landlord Christian called for us to make an appointment…on the road the next day.
Lodeve France.
The shed opened and there was a beautiful rust-free ambulance with only 115.000 km ... Built in 1973. Perfect. Complete with siren, flashing light, stretcher, oxygen bottles. But even nicer was the interior for a break and the original low roof. Our plan was to purchase this car and rebuild it to an original break and to paint the car. Dark blue with a beige roof.
Everything in consultation with the client. In advance new starter motor, alternator, water pump, exhaust bulbs and of course new Michelin tires underneath. Major service and Rdw license plate.
Three months later, the DS was ready and waiting in Rotterdam. Our last major project was completed. When coming, our rule was always to have the car appraised upon arrival in Rotterdam and, if the car was there as desired, to have it appraised again by Wilbers Taxatie.
There are of the 4 Citroen Ds Visser indeed has one left, that of Auke. Of the approximately 20.000 other Ds ambulances that existed, about 15 are still driving in the Netherlands, with ambulance bodies from Baboulin, Carrier, Delhorme, Currus, Petit, among others.
The Brabant ambulance factory Akkermans also made 4 copies of the Ds ambulance. No survivors of this.
The Visser ambulance museum in Oldemarkt still has a Cx ambulance, various Mercedes-Benz (some also have a Citroën suspension system) and a Commer ambulance.
Sincerely,
Victor Benschop
Ambulance coordinator Citroen ID DS Club