Background Info
Hearses are vehicles traditionally used to transport the deceased or their remains for funeral services and burial ceremonies. Hearses have existed for centuries as a cultural tradition, serving an important ritual for many different societies around the world.
Today, hearses are typically owned and operated by funeral homes, although some companies specialize in offering only hearses for sale. The most influential car companies have made their own versions, from traditional large and ornate horse-drawn hearses to the more modern and luxurious Mercedes and Cadillac models typically used today.
Cadillac
Cadillac is arguably the most popular car company known for its hearses, having built them for more than a century. Cadillac’s first hearse was the Model 30 introduced in 1917 and was based on their Model 30 touring car. This hearse was one of the first mass-produced models, making it easier and more affordable for funeral homes to acquire one.
Cadillac continued to produce hearses in various forms and models at a steady pace until the humble Model 30 was replaced by the iconic “flower car” in 1949. This new model had a flower holder mounted on the rear of the vehicle and became so popular that many other car companies would use it as a template for their own version. Cadillac continued to produce different versions of their flower car until the 1980s and it is still considered one of their most successful models.
Cadillac has also produced a modern version called the Professional Chassis and the Supreme Coach Hearse. This model was designed to offer the same traditional look and feel of an older hearse, but with modern amenities and performance. It is still highly sought after and used by many funeral homes today.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is another prominent car company that has been producing a variety of different hearses for more than 50 years. Their first official hearse was the 300D model, which was based on the chassis of a Mercedes 300D sedan and modified with a coffin compartment and traditional hearse styling.
The 300D was the first of many Mercedes-Benz hearses, followed by the 300TD and subsequently the S-Class line of vehicles. Mercedes-Benz currently offers six different models of hearses ranging from their luxury S-Class to their more budget-friendly C-Class.
Lincoln
Lincoln was another influential, American car company that built hearses in the early 20th century. Their first hearse, the Model L, was released in 1912 and was a luxurious sedan with a luxurious interior. This model was built on a full-size frame and featured many modern amenities.
Lincoln continued to produce bigger and better hearses over the years, such as their Model K and Town Car models. They also introduced a modern version of their Model L, the Town Car Hearse, which was based on the Town Car limousines. This model was popular for its spacious interior and rear-drive platform.
Conclusion
Today, the three most popular car companies for hearses are Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, and Lincoln. Each of these companies have their own unique styles and features and have been producing hearses for decades. They have also been continually modernizing their hearses, making them more efficient and luxurious than ever before.
