1940 series 72 with removable door pillar on right side

[CHARLES COMMERFORD]

hello fellow club members,
i purchased a 1940 series 72 cadillac fleetwood today and it has an unusual (to me) feature in that the passenger door pillar is removable. can anybody help me with why that feature is on this car? was it a standard feature on this model?
it has a handle on the inside of the pillar post that releases the pillar so that it may be completely removed.
i am new to your club and i would appreciate any help in answering this question.
i own a 1940 lasalle s&s hearse and in searching for parts for it, i ran across the 72 so i bought it as it was close by my house. what do i have??
thank you,
chuck commerford
cwcgec@comcast.net

[okccadman]

The removeable pillar indicates it is a "sedambulance" or invalid car.  In either case, the pillar comes out to facilitate the placement of a stretcher or wheelchair bound patient.  These usually have individual font seats with the pass side  beingremoveable.  Sometimes teh front bench is replaced when the car is taken out of service and sold.

[CHARLES COMMERFORD]

thank you for your kindness!
chuck

[TonyZappone #2624]

Quite often funeral homes operated the ambulance services also, especially in rural areas.  These cars came equipped with two seats.  A small single seat was left in the driver's position, so that a stretcher could be placed on the passenger side floor, front to rear.  Moreover, these cars were quite often used for "first call" to pick up the deceased.  On the day of the funeral, a small portable crane-dolly mechanism removed the single driver's seat and set in place a full front seat for use as a limousine style car for the funeral.  Actually, pictures I have seen show the pillar oening with the rear door.  I suppose that the pillar could be anchored top and bottom for times when the fore and aft use was not required.