The London Ambulance Historic Collection is responsible for maintaining a fleet of 26 historic vehicle all of which have seen active service in London. In addition to this we also house and archive photographs, documents, uniforms and associated memorabilia and ambulance equipment.

Charitable funding helps us undertake larger projects and improve the Collection as a whole. Support is needed to help with:

Digitisation - To provide greater access and prolonged availability for the future

Renovation - To restore and repair classic vehicles

Presentation - To provide projected displays that can be shared more broadly

Digitisation - Much of the historical collection is on fragile paper documents and glass slides or film that needs careful handling and better storage. Once digitised, the items can then be stored with preservation in mind, so that should someone wish to view the originals they will still be available. Donations will help provide the equipment and facilities necessary to make this happen.

Renovation - Future plans include renovation to our 1965 Morris LD and Bedford CF. The 1965 Morris LD needs fibreglass repairs and some mechanical work, and the Bedford CF needs the gearbox rebuilt to cure the problem of being stuck in first gear! This work requires a specialist workshop, skills, and components.

Smaller projects wed like to embark on include creating presentations to be projected onto walls and vehicles when at displays, the ability to provide a mobile gallery, and new branding to attract more attention.

Your support will advance the collection for years to come.

About the Collection

The collection spans many decades with one of the oldest items being a horse Drawn Ambulance operated by Metropolitan Asylum Board in 1890s. We have a vehicle from approximately every decade. Some are rare now including out 1929 Du Cros Ambulance (which can be seen at the Emergency Services Museum Sheffield), a 1935 Talbot 3L used during the Blitz and a 1949 Daimler DC27, one of the first purpose made for London. Later models include 1965 Morris LD, Bedford CF and Landrover. Motorcycles are also represented with our first solo responder motorcycle the Norton Commander and subsequent replacements, Honda ST1100 Pan European, ST1300 Pan European. Many of these vehicle are taken (some drive themselves) to various public shows and displays. Others manage to be hired for TV/Film production.

The majority of the work on the collection is carried out by Volunteers who give their time and expertise for free. Many are retired staff who enjoy seeing those vehicles they spent so many years of their life with running and being appreciated. It would be such a gift to help support the hard work, care, and inspiration of our volunteers by carrying the Collection into the 21st century and beyond.