Ambulance 1201
Škoda 1201 Sanita was one of the best-known variants of the utility model 1201. It served medical and rescue services throughout Czechoslovakia and was produced in several configurations – from standard factory versions to custom-built or locally modified conversions. Some vehicles featured unique factory-installed blue beacons integrated into the roof, while others were later adapted with additional equipment or modifications according to operational needs. A spacious interior with space for a stretcher and basic medical gear was a defining feature.
The Škoda 1201 ambulances were used by city and company emergency services, as well as at airports and industrial facilities. A few examples have survived to this day in the hands of collectors and enthusiasts. The model remains admired as an elegant and timeless ambulance that combined practicality with the characteristic design language of the 1950s. As noted by Tomáš Forst in Hospital In magazine (3/2012): “I cannot shake the feeling that the Škoda 1201 remains the most elegant Škoda van ever built.”
Škoda 1201 Medical Special. (front vehicle) Compiled by Mr. Michal Appl: The depicted Škoda 1201 ambulance in front was produced at the Vrchlabí plant, only two units made. It differed from the standard ambulance by the factory-original “blueprints” finish. Roof chapel structures were welded directly into the roof.
? Inside the blueprints were two festoon bulbs – the weaker 5W lit with the lights on, the stronger 21W was switched via an additional switch, so it flashed.
? One of these cars was delivered to SANOPZ and the other to the Rescue Service of the City Council of Prague on the occasion of the 1960 Spartakiad. This car can be seen in the film Padělek.
? The blue glass was frosted, so the light effect was visible only at night. Inside, the equipment differed little, only one stretcher was installed instead of the standard two.
Another ambulance – perhaps also a special? Photos donated by a friend (unknown source).
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Photo from the Technical Museum Prague.
Škoda 1201 Sanita – Mr. Vlastislav Škvarek. Good day, I’d like to send you something for the ambulance section. I own a Škoda 1201 Sanita, year 1960. I even have the original technical certificate, although it’s no longer valid. The car first served at Prague-Ruzyně Airport (25.10.1960 – 20.12.1960).
It was later transferred to the State Aviation Administration – Košice Airport, where it served until 13.11.1974. Then followed two private owners, and on 2.7.2007 I became its owner.
If you have anything from the interior equipment, perhaps a siren, etc., I’d appreciate your help in completing it. Best regards, Vlastislav Škvarek. The car appeared in the film Stork’s Nest; in one of the photos, you can see Spiš Castle, where I bought it in the village of Biacovce.
Manual.
Hospital In Magazine. This article was published in issue 3/2012. “I can’t help the feeling that the Škoda 1201 is still the most elegant Škoda van ever made.” – Tomáš Forst, Kolín.
