1954 Ford Mainline Hearse

Here's some details from the current proud owner (Dean Smart) who was kind enough to forward an update. The rear window is in two pieces. All of the rear glass, that is , side and rear windows are beveled and look rather flash. It is currently under restoration in my shed at Renmark SA and is in a bit of a sorry state at present.

As far as I know, the body conversion was done in Melbourne by Ansair (doubtfull about the name) and went into service in Colac. I purchased the unit on 30/4/00 after seeing it parked in a shed out of town. My aim is to recapture the era with a 239 side valve with "performance accessories" and C4. THANKS DEAN !

1958 Ford "Star Model" Customline Hearse

Body builder unknown. This car is powered by a 272 CI OHV V8 engine, with a 3 speed manual transmission, drum brakes all around. Chassis has been lengthened by approximately 30 inches.  Photographed in Melbourne, in 2001. North American readers will notice the similarity to the Canadian 55 Meteor. Ford Australia didn't use the US 57 or 58 Fords. For 1957, we had the 56 Fairlane, and for 1958, we used the 55 Meteor, known locally as the "Star Model".

Hybrid 50's / 60's Mercedes Hearse

A very unusual Mercedes Benz hearse, with the front from a mid 50s car, while the rear section carries the trademark fins of the early 60s. Bodywork appears to be by Smith and Son, of Sydney. This vehicle was a regular sight at the Bendigo (Victoria) swap meet in the 1980s, but hasn't been seen for some years. The owner was believed to be from the Sydney area.

1960 - 1966 Citroen Hearse

For the French funeral car fans, here’s a Citroen hearse, and a copy of an original sales brochure, and a black converted Citroen Safari Wagon. This car was photographed at Sydney’s historic Waverley Cemetery.

The Citroen hearse was the standard 'safari' wagon. Some modification to the alloy roof racks were done (easy as they just bolt on to the existing roof pins) and extra mounting points for flowers were included on the 3 pillars. The big difference was that the car was painted ALL black (Safari's were always two tone - the base unit, tailgate and roof in rose gray and body panels in the usual Citroen colors) and had various DS spec trim added - all safari wagons were designated as the base model ID version. There was however a specific DS hearse offered by Citroen Cars Ltd - UK. offered 1960-1966. These were special coach built units on the standard 'Safari' wheelbase - just has an extra 6-8 inches or so overhang at the back. Only about 6 were ever made - none are known to have survived."

Thanks to the Waverley Cemetery for keeping Eloise in such beautiful condition.

Waverley Cemetery

St Thomas Street

Bronte NSW 2024

Web address: www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/cemetery  

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