1969 Plymouth Suburban Custom
Is it a factory model? No, coachbuilding companies like Superior Coach and Miller-Meteor handled these elongated, multi-door projects. This Suburban, on the other hand, was manufactured by Armbruster Stageway.
Mainly specializing in funeral vehicles, Armbruster also built limousine versions of various cars and SUVs, including the Chevrolet Suburban, back in the day. But the company's limos weren't open inside, providing loads of room and plush seating for two or three people. Armbruster focused on more utilitarian stretch vehicles that could haul as many people as possible. For instance, this eight-door, four-row Mopar can seat up to 12 people. And it was most likely commissioned by a hotel that used it to haul guests to and from the airport.
The source has some more interesting history and a video.
Armbruster Stageway was the only company which did unibody Chrysler product stretches. First Fuselage-platform Plymouth I've seen, most are Chryslers. One of the longest, too. Looks like the top is starting to sag/buckle, which means the underbody supports are deteriorating a bit. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePossibly the best vehicle of this type was based on the fwd Olds Toronado chassis of the later 1960s. No driveline to the rear (and related issues). I have seen a few which have been restored. They were mainly used in Central or South American countries which had no transit but services, by observation. In America, mainly for funeral coach to transport family to the grave yard and such, some with provision to take the deceased on the same trip.