The RAF-Tamro “Reanimation” ambulance is unique and unmatched. As TopGir found out, only a few of these vehicles were produced. And only one specimen “survived” to our days, which, in fact, was discovered in Ukraine.
The fact that it was found in Ukraine and in fairly good condition is good news. However, on the downside, this rarest reanimobile will leave Ukraine, as it has been “purchased and placed in the right hands” (which is comforting). According to our information, the unique ambulance will travel to the Baltics.
What makes the rarity found in Ukraine unique? In fact, there is very little information about it, but it is sufficient to know that RAF-Tamro vehicles were sent by the factory for refitting to Finland.
As one of the authors of the RAF Reunion public group writes, “the chief engineer Pertti Kiira told me – it was the best time in his career because they were neither financially nor creatively restricted.”
By the way, the first reanimation vehicles began arriving in Ukraine in 1983. Each of them cost a considerable amount for those times — $40,000! It is interesting that Tamro also produced several reanimation vehicles based on the “Volga” GAZ-24, on an extended base. However, they did not show significant advantages.
Nowadays, this might not surprise you, but in those years, such a minibus was worth its weight in gold and somewhat resembled a spacecraft.
- High roof (staff could work without bending)
- The entire left side up to the top was occupied with special equipment
- Effective thermal and sound insulation
- Interior finish made of high-quality washable material
- Removable stretchers of foreign production
- Folding seats for doctors
The found RAF-Tamro reanimation vehicle in Ukraine awaits restoration and a new life. It’s a pity, of course, it’s not in our country, but the main thing is that it will be preserved.
By the way, did you know that there is an extremely rare ZIL Black Doctor in Odessa? Speaking of the Black Doctor, it’s worth mentioning a few facts to understand just how unique this station wagon is. The ZIL-41042 (ZIL-115A) was designed as a medical vehicle for top officials. Why black? To blend in with the government motorcade. Hence the nickname Black Doctor.