Mystery Monday: What chassis hides beneath this 1915 Pennock ambulance?

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‘I have no idea, but then again, I am a Bugatti man,’ said Jaap Horst of BugattiPage.com. One thing we do know for certain: this unusual motor car is not a Bugatti. But what is it?

The photograph appeared in the illustrated weekly magazine Panorama on 22 November 1915. It shows a new ambulance belonging to the Haagsche Geneeskundige Dienst, The Hague’s municipal medical service, with coachwork built by Pennock of The Hague. According to the original caption, the vehicle was ‘considerably smaller than the existing Red Cross ambulances’. Its interior was designed according to the ideas of Dr G.W. Boland, then director of the service.

Pennock was one of the best-known Dutch coachbuilders, producing bespoke bodies on chassis from a wide variety of manufacturers. This compact ambulance, too, was clearly designed specifically for its intended purpose. The large side doors and twin rear doors provide direct access to the patient compartment, which appears to have room for a stretcher and an attendant. The high roof and generous windows provided the necessary space, light and ventilation. In striking contrast to this functional bodywork is the notably elegant front end, with its long bonnet.

But upon which chassis did Pennock build this ambulance? Our first thought was a Lancia Theta. The shape of the radiator, the front end and the wheels appear to offer several clues pointing in that direction. We are not entirely certain, however, which is precisely why we would like to put this photograph before the experts among our readers.

Do you recognise the make, or perhaps even the exact model? Can you spot a technical detail that provides the decisive clue? We would be delighted to hear from you!

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