1951 Daimler DC 27 Ambulance – Classified of the Week

There is a lot of talk about staycations at the moment, for obvious reasons. And while the media’s persistent use of the term is incorrect (a staycation is where you stay at home, that’s it), the sentiment is something we agree with. You don’t want to be getting a plane right now, breathing shared air for hours. That’s nobody’s idea of fun. So instead, the hotels, the hostels and of course, the campsites across our green and lush country are rapidly filling up. 

People are, of course, buying campervans so as to better capitalise on these UK-based destinations. But where’s the fun in that? Who wants to rock up to a campsite only to park next to another identical campervan? Holidays should be fun, they should be an adventure and they should be the foundation on which you can build memories. That’s harder to do with a Transit that has a sink in the back of it. So why not build something of your own? You could start with this Daimler, for example. 

No, we’ve not taken leave of our senses. This 1951 Daimler DC 27 was built as an ambulance. So that’s half the battle – you already know you can lie down in the back of it. Now though, it’s far too old to be a service vehicle. It could be used as a prop for film and TV, it could be wheeled out for shows and so on. But they’re all very… limiting options. So instead, why not give it a new lease of life as a truly unique camper? 

There is ample space in the back, so it would be easy enough to fit some modular camping units in there. Or, if you’re a dab hand with the jigsaw, you could build something yourself. You could easily build a double bed into it, some cupboards, a sink, some cooking equipment. It could be brilliant. 

Being a Daimler, there is the peace of mind that comes from knowing that it’ll be reliable. Plus, that big straight-six engine is more than capable of moving a mattress and some pots and pans around. This particular Daimler has been restored, including a new ash frame. The engine has been completely overhauled, the chassis was stripped and repainted, and even the wiring loom has been replaced. It’s the perfect base for something new and exciting. Go on, live a little, be the talk of the campsite. Life’s too short for a Transit with a caravan glued to the back of it.

We can’t guarantee another Ambulance will come up anytime soon, but to keep a lookout, here’s where you can find a Daimler for sale.