A hearse made by luxury car maker, Lincoln, 1924
Although I must admit that while the title of this post may seem entirely too morbid for a Monday, trust me. I know you’re going to enjoy looking at the images of antique hearses that at one time or another were used not only in the U.S., but around the world.
Peugeot hearse, 1951
Cadillac Cathedral hearse by James Cunningham Son and Co., New York, 1930
A restored “funeral car” from Argentina, 1942
A hearse from Spain called “El Gloria” 1932
In the early 1920s, motorized hearses pretty much replaced their horse-drawn predecessors. In the U.S., luxury car manufacturers Cadillac and Lincoln produced many hearses, and in Europe automakers like Mercedes (among others) got into the funeral car game. A hearse made by French car company Peugeot exists, as well as a completely bizarre hearse/funeral coach dreamed up by recreational vehicle maker Airstream (originally made in Los Angeles). As death is naturally occurring event around the world, I’ve also posted some ornate vintage hearses from Spain and Argentina, as well as Japan that must be seen to be believed.
Japanese hearse, 1970s
Japanese hearse, 1970s
Finland, 1930s
The “Olympian” hearse built by Ohio car makers Sayers & Scovill, 1934
Cadillac “carved panel” style hearse, 1939
Argentina, late 1920s
Spain, 1920s/1930s
Spain, 1920s/1930s
Cadillac Meteor Crestwood Landau “Panoramic” Hearse, 1956
Miami, Florida 1910
A hearse belonging to the Fingland and Co Funeral Home in Rushholme, Manchester (England), 1910
Packard funeral “bus” 1916. The bus was made to carry not only the departed, but flowers and up to 20 mourners.
The ultra-bizarre Airstream funeral “coach” 1980s
Previously on Dangerous Minds:
Scenes from Marc Bolan’s funeral