Ambulance 1200

ŠKODA 1200 Ambulance by Mr. Michal Appl

Mr. Michal Appl took charge of creating this section as a true enthusiast, an expert on ŠKODA ambulances, and the proud owner of this remarkable 1955 ŠKODA 1200 ambulance. He promised to gradually expand this section with new information, and it remains entirely under his direction. I thank him on behalf of myself and all those interested in this fascinating topic. With joy, I leave his contribution in its charming, humorous period style. “Peace to the world.” – Comrade Václav Vaněček

Rescue Service of the Capital City of Prague (ÚNV)
Transport Department – Prague, March 24, 1955

Dear Comrade Engineer,
Regarding your inquiry, we respond as follows: the information provided in our last letter has now undergone final correction and has been approved by our factory council of the ROH. It is therefore suitable for public presentation. We continue to work diligently on further projects, which we shall soon submit for your approval.
Peace and honor to your work.
With comradely greetings – Comrade Michal Appl

To: Comrade Michal Appl
Prague, March 27, 1955
Subject: Approval of publication request

Work greetings, Comrade Referent,
Following your request, our Control Department of the Ministry of Culture has, in shortened proceedings, reviewed and approved your report on the ŠKODA 1200 ambulance for publication. No issues were found. We trust that you will continue to contribute responsibly and diligently to our program.
Peace to the world
Head of the Control Department of the Ministry of Culture – Comrade Václav Vaněček

Report by Comrade M. Appl on the ŠKODA 1200 Ambulance:

The paintwork on the car is no longer original, but the engine compartment and the engine itself remain completely authentic – a rarity for an ambulance (each vehicle’s registration listed “exchange engine,” as replacements were very frequent). The doctor’s seat is incomplete, and the fold-down cushions on the partition are missing. When purchased, the vehicle contained stretchers from the newer ŠKODA 1202 type and lacked all medical equipment. Today, it is restored to the condition typical for an emergency ambulance of the 1950s – equipped with period bandages, splints, an automatic resuscitator allowing both ventilation and oxygen inhalation, a manual RK32 breathing device, spare 2L oxygen cylinders, an infusion kit, a stand for bottles, a foot-operated suction pump, and a doctor’s case containing a tracheotomy set, mouth openers, syringe kits, a blood pressure gauge, and basic medicines of the era.

Externally, although the car awaits full restoration, it has been adjusted to match the authentic appearance of RLP and RZP ambulances of the Prague Rescue Service – 10 cm wide stripes, blue lights in the roof corners, rotating siren, a 1.8 m antenna for the “Fremos” radio, and stickers with internal number 29 in the passenger and rear windows. On the front bumper sits the RLP emblem: a blue triangle on a white field with a red Roman numeral I inside (triangle = doctor, red I = first aid). Though not standard, this emblem came directly from a contemporary driver of the emergency unit, adding authenticity. The attached interior photo shows the vehicle’s condition at the time of purchase.

The chassis for this ambulance was built on August 31, 1955, in Mladá Boleslav and sent to the Kvasiny coachbuilding plant, where it arrived on September 7, 1955. The vehicle served with the Prague Rescue Service (ÚNV) as a Rapid Medical Aid car. Later, it was acquired by the Barrandov Film Studios, where it survived untouched until the early 1990s. It even appeared in the famous TV series Sanitka, driven by actor Petr Kostka in the role of Dr. Mádr during a major accident scene. After brief ownership by two private individuals, the vehicle came into my possession, and since December 13, 2003, at precisely 3:00 p.m., I have been its delighted owner. A full restoration is still ahead.

In conclusion: perhaps only a warning – if you ever see this ambulance speeding through an intersection, siren wailing and blue lights flashing, remember that an emergency vehicle responding to a call has the absolute right of way. So, please, let it pass… or step aside!

With comradely greetings,
Michal Appl