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.
Summary: Used to transport President Kennedy from Parkland Memorial Hospital to the airport at Love Field.
Details: Who could ever imagine that a single object can represent such a significant piece of American history? Even more amazing is the raw emotion that this object evokes from every man, woman and child who was alive that very fateful day on the 22nd of November, 1963. This 1964 Miller-Meteor hearse arrived in Dallas in October, 1963 for the National Funeral Directors Association Convention. It was the display vehicle as a new model year introduction for the 1964 and its body #64001. It was purchased by the O'Neal Funeral Home located in Dallas when the convention ended. History collided with this hearse that unforgettable day at Parkland Memorial shortly thereafter. There are hundreds of different theories, conspiracies and stories that are argued to this very day, but there are certain know facts that are undisputable. The Lincoln convertible that the president rode in has been reconfigured at least once and no longer retains its originality and is located in the Henry Ford Museum. The pedigree and originality of this car is impeccable and without question. This hearse has only changed hands two times. The first titled owner was O'Neal Funeral Home, the second owner was Arrdeen Vaughan and he has owned the car for over 40 years, where it was kept in a private collection. It is titled to us and we have copies of the previous titles. It carried the president and first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, from Parkland Memorial Hospital to the airport at Love Field. It not only carried away the president for the last time, it signified the end of the age of innocence, the end of Camelot and the end of so many hopes and dreams for one of the most beloved presidents of all time. Upon arrival at Air Force One, Vice-President Johnson was sworn into office and became the new President of the United States. The O'Neal Funeral Home supplied the casket and their new hearse for this unprecedented event. It was sold a few year later to another funeral home, Vaughan, to be kept in a private collection where it has been for over 40 years. Aubrey Rike worked for the O'Neal Funeral Home and was the driver of this car that fateful day in 1963. The O'Neal Funeral Home had the contract with Parkland Memorial Hospital for both the hearse and ambulance service. Aubrey Rike had spent much of his life lecturing nationwide and wrote a book about his role, along with this Cadillac, from his perspective called "At the Door of Memory." Aubrey Rike passed away in 2010.
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.
The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Summary: Used to transport President Kennedy from Parkland Memorial Hospital to the airport at Love Field.
Details: Who could ever imagine that a single object can represent such a significant piece of American history? Even more amazing is the raw emotion that this object evokes from every man, woman and child who was alive that very fateful day on the 22nd of November, 1963. This 1964 Miller-Meteor hearse arrived in Dallas in October, 1963 for the National Funeral Directors Association Convention. It was the display vehicle as a new model year introduction for the 1964 and its body #64001. It was purchased by the O'Neal Funeral Home located in Dallas when the convention ended. History collided with this hearse that unforgettable day at Parkland Memorial shortly thereafter. There are hundreds of different theories, conspiracies and stories that are argued to this very day, but there are certain know facts that are undisputable. The Lincoln convertible that the president rode in has been reconfigured at least once and no longer retains its originality and is located in the Henry Ford Museum. The pedigree and originality of this car is impeccable and without question. This hearse has only changed hands two times. The first titled owner was O'Neal Funeral Home, the second owner was Arrdeen Vaughan and he has owned the car for over 40 years, where it was kept in a private collection. It is titled to us and we have copies of the previous titles. It carried the president and first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, from Parkland Memorial Hospital to the airport at Love Field. It not only carried away the president for the last time, it signified the end of the age of innocence, the end of Camelot and the end of so many hopes and dreams for one of the most beloved presidents of all time. Upon arrival at Air Force One, Vice-President Johnson was sworn into office and became the new President of the United States. The O'Neal Funeral Home supplied the casket and their new hearse for this unprecedented event. It was sold a few year later to another funeral home, Vaughan, to be kept in a private collection where it has been for over 40 years. Aubrey Rike worked for the O'Neal Funeral Home and was the driver of this car that fateful day in 1963. The O'Neal Funeral Home had the contract with Parkland Memorial Hospital for both the hearse and ambulance service. Aubrey Rike had spent much of his life lecturing nationwide and wrote a book about his role, along with this Cadillac, from his perspective called "At the Door of Memory." Aubrey Rike passed away in 2010.
Featured Gallery1964 Cadillac JFK Hearse: Barrett-Jackson 2012
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