Autoblog

Cadillac XTS lineup expands to livery, limo and hearse models

George Kennedy — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Specialty, Luxury

Cadillac has announced a trio of new specialty vehicles based on the 2013 XTS, including a livery sedan, limousine, and 'funeral coach' (read: hearse).

The first model mentioned, the livery sedan, is a factory package from General Motors, and features an air-leveling rear suspension, heated rear seats, and both side and rear window shades. All that, along with a tri-zone climate control unit, and you have one attractive ride to and from the airport. Buy what about that three day bender in Vegas for your friends bachelor party? Better get him the XTS limousine.

The limo and hearse are co-developed with selected aftermarket companies, which perform the work based on GM direction and specs. Cadillac spokesperson David Caldwell expanded upon that notion, saying "[we] determine and specify the types of specialty bodies that can be done, the amount of 'stretch' we support, etc. There is a small network of Professional Vehicle companies who are authorized to build these - we do not build specialty vehicle bodies 'in-house'."

While some features were mentioned for the livery sedan, little was specified about the limo or hearse. No pricing has been mentioned at this time, and it is likely that pricing would be on a case-by-case basis with clients.

Caldwell brought up that the established player in the livery market, the Lincoln Town Car, "has for a long time been the far-and-away market leader for these - and that will likely continue to be the case. But we are doing something specific for this, in a different direction." And what exactly would that be? Offering a livery car that is more than just a taxi with an all-black paint job; "we are offering the Livery Package with a bit more luxury inside than standard XTS models... which honestly will limit the volume quite a bit, but is the right approach for how we wish to present the brand."

Quality over quantity? How very un-fleet-vehicle of Cadillac, and an approach that could determine which "black car" you hail when leaving the airport.

Continue reading Cadillac XTS lineup expands to livery, limo and hearse models

Cadillac XTS lineup expands to livery, limo and hearse models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Binz's 19-foot long Mercedes E-Class wagon will fill your screen

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Wagon, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Design/Style, Luxury

We're not exactly sure why an orange, stretched Mercedes-Benz wagon has been rippling across the automotive Internet, but hey, it's bizarre and looks like nothing more than a stylish hearse, so why not?

Besides, professional cars - that's what you call custom coachwork limos, hearses and ambulances - are among the coolest things rolling on four wheels, even if they're used for hauling ski gear, equipment cases and dogs rather than caskets.

The X-Orange is the product of Binz Limousine, a particularly flashy version of the company's XTend, a model we first saw in December 2010. The car is just what it looks like: An E-Class estate that's been given a 31.7-inch stretch to a whopping 224.4 inches, making it two inches longer than a Chevrolet Suburban, according to eMercedeBenz.com. Might we suggest pulling the styling taffy on an E63 AMG next time?

Check out all the high-res images in our gallery.

Binz's 19-foot long Mercedes E-Class wagon will fill your screen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rolls-Royce Phantom hearse is a classy, costly way to go

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:44:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Europe, Work, Rolls-Royce, Specialty, Design/Style, Luxury

We have fairly modest dreams when it comes to ferrying our remains to our final resting place. After all, it can't cost that much to rent the The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile for a few hours. Should you have slightly more expensive tastes, there's always this Rolls-Royce Phantom Hearse. The specialty vehicle is set to be unveiled at the Tan Expo funeral home show in Bologna, Italy. With 23 feet of length from stem to stern, this Phantom is longer than even the long-wheelbase version of the sedan. Interestingly enough, designers retained the rear doors for additional live passengers while incorporating a large rear cargo area for the dearly departed.

According to builder Biemme Special Cars, the vehicle's tail is constructed entirely of aluminum using over 600 bits and pieces. The same 6.75-liter V12 engine found in the standard Phantom, which means your earthly remains will get to graveside with the help of 453 horsepower.

How much will it cost? Biemme hasn't handed out a specific figure just yet beyond saying the vehicle will likely fetch more than €500,000. That's $663,950 at current conversion rates.

Rolls-Royce Phantom hearse is a classy, costly way to go originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Barrett-Jackson 2012: 1964 Cadillac JFK Hearse garners final bid of $160,000 [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:30:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Celebrities

What price would you pay to own a piece of history? We're thinking that might depend on what sort of historic significance we're talking about... or, in the case of this 1964 Cadillac Hearse, how morbid that history may be.

As you may remember, Barrett-Jackson in 2011 auctioned off a 1963 Pontiac Bonneville ambulance that some thought carried John F. Kennedy's body to the hospital after his fatal shooting. Turns out the provenance of that machine was very much in question, and bidding stalled at just $120,000.

Following up that unimpressive sale a year prior, Barrett-Jackson decided to bring out a car who's history was never in question: the car that carried the casket containing JFK, along with his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, from Parkland Memorial Hospital to the airport at Love Field.

Regardless of the fact that it is known to have carried JFK's body, it only garnered a high bid of $160,000. After fees, the new buyer will pay $176,000.00 to own this 1964 Cadillac Hearse. Check out our live images of the car at Barrett-Jackson above, and read more about it after the break.

Continue reading Barrett-Jackson 2012: 1964 Cadillac JFK Hearse garners final bid of $160,000 [w/video]

Barrett-Jackson 2012: 1964 Cadillac JFK Hearse garners final bid of $160,000 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Barrett-Jackson to auction hearse that carried JFK in Dallas

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Cadillac, Specialty, Luxury

There was a touch of controversy when Barrett-Jackson auctioned what had been purported to be the 1963 Pontiac Bonneville ambulance that transported John F. Kennedy to the hospital the day he was assassinated. There is no such doubt about this (at least, not at the time of writing): the 1964 Cadillac Hearse (Lot #1293) that carried JFK's casket to the Dallas airport.

Built as a showpiece for a funeral director's convention that took place just before the assassination, it was bought by a Dallas funeral home when the convention ended. The very next month it was put to a use no one could have expected. It has has just three owners, and will be up for auction at the 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 15-22, at WestWorld of Scottsdale, Arizona. Follow the jump for a fuller history of the car.

Continue reading Barrett-Jackson to auction hearse that carried JFK in Dallas

Barrett-Jackson to auction hearse that carried JFK in Dallas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hell plays host to world's largest gathering of hearses

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

If you're heading to Hell, you're probably going to take a ride in a hearse at some point in your journey. Seems only fitting, then, that a group of hearse owners chose the tiny hamlet of Hell, Michigan as the place to set a world record. An official from the Guinness Book Of World Records was on hand to verify that the 51-hearse gathering is a new record in a category that we didn't even know existed.

Hearse owners descended on Hell to roll into the record books together, and the vehicles arrived in a variety of shapes and sizes. Click past the jump to watch the entire crew ride into the pages of history in a couple of videos. In the second video, skip to the 4:25 mark to catch a glimpse of our favorite hearse of the bunch.

Continue reading Hell plays host to world's largest gathering of hearses

Hell plays host to world's largest gathering of hearses originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Lincoln MKT Hearse looks to be one swanky final ride

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Lincoln, Specialty

Lincoln MKT hearse spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Halloween may have been two months ago, but our quick-shooting spy photographers have just captured the first images of Lincoln's upcoming MKT hearse. (Yes, hearse.) With the impending death of the Town Car not too far ahead, Ford Motor Company has already stated that the Flex-based MKT crossover will be uplifted to serve a variety of special livery duties. This means that in addition to this rather fetching hearse, we can probably expect to see stretched limousine versions of the MKT in the not-too-distant future.

It isn't immediately clear if this MKT hearse is fully a factory effort or if Ford is conducting testing with an aftermarket livery company, but this prototype has been spotted in Ford's usual stomping grounds, and it boasts a Michigan Manufacturer license plate. The tester seen here appears to be powered by the automaker's 3.7-liter V6, an engine that's currently available in the base MKT, and that seems just fine by us. After all, there really isn't any need for the more powerful EcoBoost V6 in a vehicle that's designed for slow, sorrow-filled processions. The prototype's stretched wheelbase and taller roof should provide ample room for even the largest of - ahem - passengers, and based on our experiences with the standard-issue MKT, things shouldn't be too spartan for the driver, either.

Have a look at the full set of MKT Hearse spy shots in our high-resolution gallery below, and look for this larger-than-life (or death) Lincoln to start arriving at funeral homes near you.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Lincoln MKT Hearse

[Source: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: Lincoln MKT Hearse looks to be one swanky final ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Ultimate Shooting (Through) Brake - Maserati Quattroporte hearse

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Etc., Europe, Videos, Specialty, Design/Style

Maserati Quattroporte Hearse - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Remember when we told you about Intercar Modena turning a Maserati Quattroporte into hearse? We're not sure if this is one of theirs, but the number of Maserati hearses built has to be very low, but that hasn't stopped some fortunate soul from capturing one in the wild. The video after the jump is quick but the car is clearly visible. It's a rare spotting of a vehicle people are dying to get into (Thank you! Try the veal!).

When you get set to leave this world, you may want to go out in style. Cadillacs and Lincolns are the chariots of commoners. A Mercedes is a step in the right direction. There are some, however, with a privileged palate and serious sense of style, and some of them will doubtlessly opt for coachbuilt Italian splendor. The Maserati Quattroporte hearse is a wonderful example of how someone can shoot through to the other side in fine style. Put on your best black suit and make the jump to see the video. Thanks for the tip, Monty!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Ultimate Shooting (Through) Brake - Maserati Quattroporte hearse

Video: Ultimate Shooting (Through) Brake - Maserati Quattroporte hearse originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

World's first motorcycle hearse? [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Sat, 22 May 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars

Motorcycle Hearse - Click above to watch video after the jump

Given the level of dedication we've seen from the dead when it comes to their motorcycles, it comes as no surprise that somebody has given one the Munsters treatment and created the world's first motorcycle hearse. Built in Auckland, New Zealand by an automotive engineer, the bike can carry up to 440 lbs in an underbelly cradle. Push a button and the rig slides out to let the pallbearers do their thing. A complex system of hydraulics helps stabilize everything, and two riders are needed to get the deceased from place to place.

Power comes courtesy of a 1,350 cc Harley-Davidson engine, and the motorcycle hearse's inventor, Mike Price, says that he originally wanted to partner with them on the project. Harley wanted Price to sign a lengthy contract before they'd even look at his design, however, so he politely told them where they could stick that dotted line and built the bike himself after work. Are there classier ways to get to your final resting place? Sure, but few are any cooler. Hit the jump for a check out a few videos.

[Source: Papakura Courier, YouTube]

Continue reading World's first motorcycle hearse? [w/video]

World's first motorcycle hearse? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 May 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ouch, that Hearse! Maserati Quattroporte works the graveyard shift

Noah Joseph — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Maserati, Specialty

Some of us - okay, one of us - here at Autoblog may disagree, but there's no shortage of people who think the Maserati Quattroporte is one of the most beautiful four-door works of automotive art this side of a Toyota Prius. All the more so after having driven it in Austria. So why, then, do so many coachbuilders seem bent on ruining it?

We've seen Quattroportes covered in shattered glass, dipped in 24-karat gold, and wrapped in Burberry tartan. We've seen 'em stretched beyond recognition, tweaked into touring cars, turned into station wagons - twice, actually - even an old one transformed into a fire truck. Yes, a fire truck. And now this: A Maserati hearse.

Modified by Intercar Modena - a company that offers funerial conversions of everything from Ssanyong Rextons to BMW sidecar motorcycles - the Quattroporte hearse is, well... there's really not much to say about it other than it's a hearse. Based on a Quattroporte. And while there aren't many worse things you could do with a Maserati, there are worse ways to go.

[Source: Maserati-Alfieri.co.uk via autoblog.nl]

Ouch, that Hearse! Maserati Quattroporte works the graveyard shift originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: Faux Rolls-Royce Phantom hearse means you can go out as a fraud, too

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Auctions, Lincoln, Rolls-Royce, Specialty

Lincoln Town Car turned Rolls-Royce Hearse - Click above for high-res image gallery

In this situation you might think we'd be at a loss for words. However, a Lincoln Town Car hearse cut to look like a Rolls-Royce Phantom gets our little fingers fluttering. Sadly, most of what we want to type isn't fit for print. At least the seller's description provides a good deal of comic... something. Have a look:

"Here it is! Open the doors to one of the most money making industries. The funeral business. I had a customer tell me that I should do a RR Hearse. It took me about a year to do it but I am so glad I did. The first funeral we did, the owner of that funeral home was so impressed with the reaction from his customers that he wanted to buy it from me. I did not want to sell it because I have 3 funeral homes wanting to book it almost every day. And they not only book the hearse but they also now book the 6 pack limo for the family from us."

Fair enough. We suppose money is one possible explanation for this sort of you-ain't-fooling-no-one creation is filthy lucre. In fairness, it does possess one killer app. You ever seen a funeral procession going down the street and think to yourself, "I wonder what sex that corpse is?" Wonder no more, as this hearse has blue fog lights for boy stiffs, and pink ones for the (dead) ladies. Here's some more from the seller:

"We went from not doing funerals to doing almost 3 to 5 funerals per week and at $395.00 per 4 hr. funeral for the hearse and $395.00 for the 6 pack limo! You do the math. The other great thing is that 90% of funerals are Monday through Friday. They don't get drunk, no trashing the limo and they are done by mid day. And if they do go over, then it is an aditional $95 per car, per hr."

Straight boo ya! Doing the math, that's nearly $800 per funeral. Pure profit, man. Except for the little part about who in their right mind would want to go to their grave in this thing?!? Oh, and in case you thought a fake Roller is the only hearse your fledgling business will need, click immediately to the back of the gallery to see some more phonies. Finally, in a perverse way we're stoked we finally found a Town Car worse than this one.

Gallery: Fake Rolls-Royce Phantom Hearse

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Faux Rolls-Royce Phantom hearse means you can go out as a fraud, too originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

For Sale: Lincoln Town Car Limo/Hearse combo... in case your night on the town goes horribly wrong

Alex Nunez — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Car Buying, Lincoln, Specialty

It goes without saying that when you think you've seen everything, you ain't seen jack. We were reminded of this the other night while perusing the New York Post's online sports page for the skinny on the Hideki Matsui deal. Frankly, Godzilla's contract status seemed a lot less important once we spied this classified ad for a 2001 Lincoln Town Car combination hearse/limousine displayed on the page.

The description touts the strange Townie as essentially representing the zenith of funereal transportation innovation:

"YOU COULD COMPLETELY ELIMINATE HAVING TO HAVE TWO VEHICLES AT EVERY SERVICE, SO NOW YOU CAN TAKE THE ENTIRE FAMILY TO THE CEMETARY [sic] IN ONE CAR."

But something tells us that accompanying dearly departed Aunt Myrtle on her final ride just might not appeal to everyone.

In any case, for $18,900, some enterprising limo company is going to have itself the ultimate utility vehicle - capable of transporting six adults for a night of debauchery in plush, floaty comfort, and saving the county coroner's van a trip when things go a little bit too far...

[Source: New York Post]

For Sale: Lincoln Town Car Limo/Hearse combo... in case your night on the town goes horribly wrong originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Vauxhall Insignia Limo too much of a good thing?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Sedan, Opel, Vauxhall, UK, Specialty

Vauxhall Statesman - Click above for image gallery

Wilcox Limousine in England distributes the Vauxhall Statesman in both six-door, three-row limousine and hearse configurations. The company has already begun eying the new Insignia for dignitary and funeral duty, and the result is rendered above. It's not all that bad for a limo conversion, but we had no idea that so many people were requesting to be chauffeured to the airport and The Great Beyond in stretched Vauxhalls. On the plus side, you'll find leather trim, walnut door cappings and a full divider on the inside. "Unbeatable prices" can't hurt, either. Check out the next Statesman limo and hearse in the gallery below.

Gallery: Vauxhall Insgina Limo and Hearse

[Source: Autoblog Spanish, translation here]

Vauxhall Insignia Limo too much of a good thing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

It had to happen: The smart fortwo for eight

Michael Harley — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Europe, Smart, Lifestyle

Take a smart fortwo, cut it in half just behind the doors, and spend 300 man-hours over the next month adding nearly nine more feet to the vehicle's length. The result is the world's first smart fortwo "limo" that is about as long as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class! The images show a prototype model from Carbonyte, a UK limo specialty company, that was designed as a promotional vehicle (we see more than just a little resemblance to a popular energy-drink company). As expected with a custom fabrication, the customer can choose his or her own design, seating capacity, and intended use (if you have the need, Carbonyte is looking into creating a electric fortwo hearse). We know what you are thinking. Adding all this mass to a smart must slow the fortwo to a crawl. Right? Well, Carbonyte claims the original 600cc engine can still propel the contraption to a blistering 80 mph. Maybe so, but not with us in it.

Carbonyte's press release is posted below the fold.

Gallery: Smart Fortwo Limo

Continue reading It had to happen: The smart fortwo for eight

It had to happen: The smart fortwo for eight originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Morbid Merchandise: JFK hearse to be auctioned

Chris Shunk — Fri, 25 May 2007 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Cadillac

The JFK assassination was one of the most memorable moments in American history, and as of yesterday, a very large part of that history will be up for grabs on eBay. The 1964 Cadillac Miller & Meteor Hearse that carried President Kennedy's body was seen by of millions of people when JFK was driven to Love field, and now your neighbors can see it in your front yard. Included in the eBay auction is what is said to be the last known remaining original death certificate, which had errors that were later corrected and resulted in another certificate being issued. The hearse failed to sell in a May 5th auction, but bidding did go as high as $900,000.

We could see why an item like this would be a big draw at a museum or car show, but why an individual would want a hearse is beyond us. What's the selling point? "Hey, check out my hearse. Do you want to lay in the same spot as JFK's dead body?" Maybe we'd think differently if we had $1,000,000 to throw at a piece of Americana, but we don't.

[Source: eBay Motors via Sports Car Market]

Morbid Merchandise: JFK hearse to be auctioned originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2007 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hearse humor: Did they die laughing?

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

You've gotta love a good sense of humor. It takes a special kind of person to purchase an old hearse as daily transportation, but we like it. It's irreverent and offbeat but (morbidly) practical, with lots of cargo space. The "NDERTKR" plates are simply to die for. And that plate frame -- "My day begins when your days end" -- seems divinely inspired. But the coup de grâce here is the single handprint on the INSIDE of the back window. Positively wicked.

Hearse humor: Did they die laughing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments