1963 Cadillac Hearse

Cadillac flamboyance had peaked in 1959, and the 1960s brought simpler grilles, lower fins and less chrome. Cadillac received a new C-body in 1961 that continued the trend, and all Cadillac models became powered by the same 325-horsepower 390-cubic-inch V8 engine, which was redesigned for 1963 to be lighter and stronger, while producing the same power. 1963 also brought a bulkier grille and new slab-sided outer body panels and side moldings. Standard equipment included the Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission, power steering, self-adjusting power brakes, heater, backup lights, and remote-controlled left side mirror. This 1963 Cadillac hearse at the 2004 Unique Tin Car Show in Longview, Washington, appears to be from the Superior Coach Company.

1969 Cadillac Hearse

This 1969 Cadillac shown here in the Heritage Days Parade in Clatskanie, Oregon, on July 4, 1999, is a former hearse that is now used by the Astoria Clowns of Astoria, Oregon. Cadillacs were restyled in 1969, abandoning the vertically stacked headlights used from 1965 to 1968 in favor of more inboard horizontal headlights. During the 1969 calendar year, Cadillac's production exceeded 250,000 cars for the first time, despite strikes affecting the 1969 production run. Among the 1969 production run were 2,550 commercial chassis. With a 156-inch wheelbase and Cadillac's 375-horsepower 472-cubic-inch V8 engine, these chassis were used by custom coachbuilders to build ambulances, hearses, and funeral flower-cars. The coachbuilders that used these chassis included the Superior Coach Corporation of Lima, Ohio, Miller-Meteor in Piqua, Ohio, and the Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. I believe this example was built by Superior.