This beauty was originally built and designed by Superior Coachworks & delivered to a California Mortuary in 1962. According to the receipts, it was coddled over like a Mother Hen, for service. Then sold to Ronald Hast of Abbott & Hast Mortuary in Los Angeles, CA. [ Westwood Village Mortuary Chapel]. They owned three 1962 Cadillac hearses for daily service. One of those coaches was used for Marilyn Monroe's funeral, as well as, many other famous personalities. In 1993, it sold again, with only 2 more Funeral Homes or Mortuary's over the next 32 years. They used it for 'special service' or public relations. Finished in Dark Blue Metallic (dubbed by GM/Cadillac as “ York Blue”) it retains it's amazingly original Black & Grey Leather Seating and matching embossed Door Panels.
What makes this particular Coach 'really unique' is it is One of Only 127 '3 Way' Casket Table Models built in 1962 by Superior Coach Builders ( research source: Thom MacPherson's “Superior The Complete History”). In short, the Casket can be side-loaded manually from either side of the Coach through 87” wide double doors or, used as a traditional “end-loader”. That design also allowed for greater impressive internal Floral display and ease of 'side function' at any curb. Additionally, it carries not only the usual Cadillac Luxury features but, a Power Bench Seat, Chrome Radio 'Delete' Plate w/ discrete radio in glovebox, additional under-Dash Temp Gauge and Clock.
Choosing this expensive, Side-Loading Model not only allowed the owner an Aura of Luxury not found in many other competitive Coaches, but a unique body-design with ¼ Rear Glass Windows (still void of flaws). FD's could choose from a wide choice of colored fabrics allowing them to personalize the coach to their exact preferences. This model also uniquely features the bottom body 'skeg', extending most of the length of the body. It sits, an impressive 21' ft. in length !
All Superiors left the factory set on the Cadillac Commercial 6890 Chassis which featured the 390 cubic inch V8/ 325 hp, Automatic Transmission and Commercial Chassis Brakes. Dubbed 'Model 601 or S-602' this model cost $12,305.00 in 1962 ( converted today, that would be comparable to $130,000.07 in 1962 U.S. funds).
Used as a 'Special Occasion' hearse it was considered the Diamond of the Fleet and kept as an example of the Funeral Homes Stately Nature and appeal to it's older customers. Our past sales of great Classic Coaches reveal F.D.'s across the Nation recoup their investment by charging for the use of the Special Coach. Receipts in house, we have for the life of the car, include the usual Full Services, plus intense care of the Brakes/ Master Cylinder, Drapes, Transmission, Re-finish of the paint, Weatherstripping, Coolant, Radiator & Hoses, Tune-ups, Wheel Cylinders, Steering Rack/ Bushings, Multiple Sets of Tires, Electrical care, Exhaust, Generator, Alignment, Water & Fuel Pump, Suspension, a full Motor Rebuild and even new hubcaps & light bulbs. Odometer shows: 79,417 miles (only 1,260 miles per year). Add for recent Shows and Restoration.
Our experience has been The Early to Mid-60's Coaches are the Best Performing and “Most Serviceable” Funeral Coaches in the Classic Pro Car Category, as they retain 'the fins' & nostalgic look so, sought after by collectors and 'Preemies'... who book their funerals in advance. Yet, it easily competes with the look of the bodacious 1959 body -giant fin- design- with a more stately , conservative appearance- at a relative bargain price. For us, knee-deep in 35 sales of hard to source Classic Coaches, the 'Limo (glass) Style' bodies now rank the highest request by our clients as they respectfully 'show' and fully display the departed's casket... normally hidden by the Landau body-style and “S” sidebars.
This Coach is in outstanding condition and benefits from 4 recent tires, and our re-restoration : For Starters: Engine Bay & Hood Pad / Complete Door Jamb Restoration, Intense Stainless & Chrome Polishing Exterior & Interior, Interior improvements incl. Dashboard Restoration, Major Detail, Upgraded Hubcaps & Brakes plus, Paint Correction & addition of Power Brake Booster. It's not 'brand new' but, it IS Gorgeous. Ready to represent your Funeral 'Home' and Service on your front-line. $64,000.00 USD/OBO.
