Whether it’s an actual death driver or merely an ambulance, a hearse is one of those coaches that it’s always better to travel in the front seat of. The seller doesn’t give us much background on this one, but fortunately, it appears like quite some time has passed since this 1960 Cadillac Miller-Meteor creation has been summoned for either, as it’s presently being used as a novelty vehicle for the Kern River Valley Art Association in Wofford Heights, California. However, for reasons unspecified, this noble non-profit operation has decided it’s time for this one to exchange hands.
Looking around the outside, the body is in surprisingly good shape, and as unforgiving as a black finish is I’m not suspecting that any major surprises are lurking among the panels. The dark red top material seems to be holding up nicely as well, and the outside appearance wouldn’t be complete without the landau bar on each side. The seller lists this as a 3-door configuration, so perhaps the rear side units are in a fixed position and non-operational.
While not exactly perfect, the interior also presents well and features a few goth touches here and there. Plenty of room can be found in the rear, but hopefully, this one will see continued use as just a fun cruiser, and the days of hauling stretchers or coffins are in the history books here.
Up front, the dash and gauges all seem to be in decent condition, as does the seat. While the AM/FM radio has a vintage look, a pair of aftermarket speakers have been added to the kick panels in front of the doors, along with some aftermarket A/C controllers.
The only information we get regarding the engine is that it’s a powerful V8, plus it’s got a few goodies including an Edelbrock carburetor and a custom air intake. The seller says the mileage is low for the vehicle’s age and specifies the number as 31,555, so considering the overall condition combined with the limited use a coach of this type typically sees, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is actual. If you’ve been in the market for something unusual and have plenty of storage, this one can be spotted here on eBay, where the opening bid of $38,000 has yet to be placed. Another possibility is immediate gratification, as a buy-it-now price of $55,000 is also an option. What are your thoughts on this 1960 Cadillac Hearse?
Fine looking beast, but not even sure the opening price is attainable, given the small market for one of these. I suspect the $55k might be a pipe dream.
Would be a really cool sled for Halloween, which is just around the corner, and someone could do a tribute to the Ghostbusters Ectomobile, which was a 1959.
GLWTS!
This one looks to be in nice shape. Back when these were made body styles became obsolete pretty quickly. This was probably in service for less than 10 years, and by the late 60’s nobody really wanted it. Most were sold cheap and got trashed. Back in the early 80’s there was a ’64 Caddie limo for sale locally for a 1000 bucks, in really nice shape, but I didn’t have the money at the time. Saw it about a month later, huge dents down both sides, hubcaps missing, fender skirts gone. It looked like the young new owner had run it through the woods. Being mostly original and in this nice a shape makes this a rare find. This might find a home among the professional car crowd, people that like to preserve old limousines, hearses and ambulances.
Oh,me, me, me,( waving arm frantically in the air),,,why don’t hearses have luggage racks? Because you can’t take it with you,,( rimshot), anyway, been waiting a long time to use that one, since I’m among friends, for the most part, pushing 70, I’ve had this “death funk” for a couple years now, ironically since turning 65, and the last thing I will be seen in, is a hearse. I’ve had an amazing life, one I couldn’t duplicate if I tried, and bummed this is the “white flag” of life. If it is the last lap, I’m putting “it” in 1st gear, and idle the last lap.
The feature car? For the LIFE of me, I can’t seem to understand why someone would sink a good amount of money into ,,,a hearse, then expect others to follow suit. These vehicles were created for a specific purpose, trying to be transformed into something useful, doesn’t work for me. And that’s my 411 on a hearse, thanks for listening.
Also, I know, I know, but just as a sidebar to the car, I think a hearse could be transformed into a useful vehicle, couple rows of seats for some sort of transport, or even a camper of sorts, but to leave the back in as is funeral condition, rollers and all, tells a dark side many don’t care to think about. I mean, buy an airplane, for heavens sake, but this, for me, is too much. 8 “watched” and no bids pretty much tells the story.
I realize this goes beyond the limits of a mere automotive site, but a hearse thread on a site catering mostly to older folks, any advice on aging would be greatly appreciated, and don’t say find a hip gal, I tried that, and NO THANKS! She doesn’t exist. Financial, health and storage limitations pretty much took out what I held dear most of my life, as evidenced by my comments,, poor planning for old age, I guess. I know I’m not alone in that regard, what do you do, get a good spot at the starin’ window? It’s why I put such interest into the site, its posts reminds me of a time I cherished, but didn’t know it at the time. Thanks again, I apologize to a couple readers I may have snapped at in the past.
Rather than First Gear, don’t you mean D1?
Ah, good one, and more like “GR”,,,besides, I’m not a total, my Jeep is a stick, and I still enjoy shifting gears, it’s what I did for 40 years in a truck, and couldn’t fathom the thought of an automatic in one.
Beautiful caddy. Far better than the 59.The first things I would do is to use many of my 1960 Cadillac parts and install power windows, factory A/C and orig radio plus the power antenna. Also Cruise control and headlight dimmer.
1974 I took my drivers test at age 16 in my grandfathers 1960 Sedan that I drove since I was 12! You should have seen the look on the State Troopers face that gave the exam, that Caddy was PINK!
In highschool, late 70s, the wrestling coach bought a hearse to transport the crew to tournaments.
Don’t think that’s a Cadillac under the hood.
I’m thinking it is a first generation Cadillac engine. The distributor is at the back by the firewall. The oil filler tube extends from the lifter valley cover, rather than up from the intake manifold like on a Chevrolet V8 of that era.
I’m thinking it’s a Cadillac engine.
And, look at the four bolt thermostat housing and the crossover between the fronts of the cylinder heads. That seems to say Cadillac first generation right there.
I agree, it looks like the orig. 390 CID Cadillac engine.
Not a Pro Car expert… But this coach is way overpriced. At the “But it now” price, I would expect it to be dang near Councours read. It’s a worthy cause… But overpriced… Just my .02…
Actually this asking price is within the ballpark for a coach of this caliber, but only if it is turn-key. The seller calls it a 3 door, but is a 3 way: end loader or either side loader. I’m not sure of the coach builder, but this is a very desirable unit, even with the modifications. These are delightful units to drive and own.
I owned a 63 S&S Victoria 3 way that was fresh out of service when I bought it in about 1981. Stately, beautiful coach work and ran flawlessly. I had an auto parts store in Vail and used it to transport goods from the warehouse in Denver. With 3 engines on cradles it would top the passes at 75-80mph. Out on the eastern plains it would comfortably cruise at 110. It was also a delight to take to the Telluride festivals and Red Rocks concerts.
It would be a sin to see this coach destroyed by becoming a Halloween prop or, God Forbid, another ECTO! I never understood how such a marginal movie caused such a stir. Hope it finds a respectful home with an individual who realizes the true worth of this beautiful coach!
Only if they become realistic on pricing a used hearse. Yes it looks great. And most likely garage kept. But the market is not there for their asking price. It’ll just sit and languish until the seller comes to their senses.
Miller-Meteor
Would be kinda fun for a once a year Halloween cruise around toy but otherwise I can’t think of a use for it because I didn’t own spirit Halloween
I had a 1959 M&M in silver with black wrinkle paint roof with the same burgundy interior when I was in High School. Purchased in from the original Funeral Home in New Jersey around 1970 with under 15,000 miles. It hauled a lot of friends and camping gear. I wish I’d never sold it. Too much fun and this certainly has stirred up that lust in my heart and driving life.
Is the seller’s name Spengler?
I’m sure many potential buyers would look at that car and say “I wouldn’t be caught dead in that thing”. Others seeing a Cadillac Hearse going down the road with someone in the back would comment” Wow, “that guys really knows how to live”.
I don’t see the cooling hose for the generator so hopefully they updated to an Alternator.
I have to say that the lack of rusty bumper ends and fender & rocker rust, the lack of pitting on the copious pot metal these cars came with inside and out plus the condition of the inside and carpet does makes this car stand out. Add in that someone installed aftermarket AC to it, and I think one would be hard pressed to find a better example of a driving 1960 hearse, that is if you can’t stand to live without one.
That said, its still an unrealistic price for the current market, and by quite a bit.
Seller needs to clue in that used hearses are priced much lower. This is a highly limited market relegated to it now being a fun vehicle. Do they really want to sell? Or have they become too attached to this well cared for beast? Wasting everyone’s time including their own.
As Mike mentions, this is a charity auction car. Have been involved with NFP’s for decades I think the temptation is when a car like this is donated the charity members get stars in their eyes concerning the amount of funds they believe it will raise. Then they begin planning their budget spending around their projected sale proceeds. Being a charity donation though, ultimately the car has to sell for something because the donor’s deduction depends on what it brings, and that won’t be determined until its sold. Perhaps if this round of fantasy auction value ends with no bids a phone call offer might actually buy the car for AMV. Cheers.
Wouldn’t Elvira would look good sitting in the front seat topless.. ohhhh yeah..
Elvira would even look grrrrrreat sitting topless in a Lincoln.
Heck, back in her day Elvira would’ve looked great in a smart car…
(as long as she could’ve squeezed in there with those air bags)
At 72 she still looks great, though.