This 1962 Cadillac Fleetwood Hearse was last seen for sale for $15000.00 in Burbank, California.
Hearse archival, NOT for sale:
1962 Miller Meteor Duplex Combo Hearse
If you’re looking for the ultimate in original survivors, then this is definitely the coach for you. 1962 was a classic year in the Cadillac roster of fins and this prime example of upper and lower fins is the last word in early sixties styling. The classic lines of Miller Meteor coachbuilders epitomized rounded curves on the roofline and boasted simple, understated exterior appointments as part of their elegant reputation. A sweeping line, beginning from the wraparound windshield and travelling along the side windows, over the sail panels and finishing off with a beautiful landau bar into the beltline trim under the rear window set this black beauty from Piqua, Ohio a step ahead of the competitors. This remarkable black over black crinkle top duplex combination coach was delivered to the Capital Hill Funeral Home in Oklahoma City , OK on August 8, 1962 by McCampbell’s MM Sales in Fort Worth, TX where she spent a distinguished decade as part of their fleet until she was sold to the city of Blackwell, ND where the fire department installed a siren, speaker, and a beacon as you see in the attached photo. This photo was taken in 1980, shortly before the city sold her to private hands where she surfaced decades later to a couple in Colorado, then to a collector in Utah and finally to me. When I got it, a lot of engine work had been done. It was covered in promo decals which I got off with a lot of elbow grease and she resides in my garage today. I’ve put a lot into her, mostly under the hood and sourced all of the missing lower skeg trim. While the antenna was still there, the siren and beacon light were removed and it appears that the anchoring points were left intact by the previous owners. I replaced all the hoses, belts and fluids and now she cruises with ease at 60 MPH with the original 390 V-8 engine and shifts smooth, just like a Cadillac should with the incomparable Hydramatic transmission. The brakes stop just fine but I usually ease into a stop with this great old coach rather than trying to stop on a dime. The interior is in great shape, especially the slumber area. The cab will need your attention. While the bench seat material is all there, it definitely needs to be re-upholstered and I’ve put an inexpensive seat cover on there for now. The dash has a split that you’ll need to address eventually, but presents well. The windshield has a hairline crack on the lower passenger side and it doesn’t impede the drivers view but it should be replaced at some point. Looks like the drivers side front window has a BB star, too. I have two sources for commercial chassis windshields (One new and one used) and will include that contact info for the winning bidder. The headliner is in pretty decent shape in the back but the zipper will need to be replaced in the cab. You’ll need to install new carpet as the original rubber mat is long gone and it has grey office carpet presently. All electrical works with the turn signals, headlights, rear and brake lights, reverse lights and dash lights. I have not checked the bulbs or the fuses for the interior sconce lights in the back, but the plexiglass circles are in great shape. The body has zero rust and presents well. I’d call it a 20 footer for sure and it has a creepy charm for car shows if that’s what you’re after. If you’re a funeral professional, you’ll definitely want to invest in a good paint job if you want this great old coach as part of your daily fleet. The original crinkle top is all there and the texture is intact. It has oxidized in places. The whole coach has the original patina and I have gone over the entire body with rubbing and buffing compound to get the decades of grime off and it presents well for those who like the “years of service” look. All chrome, stainless and brightwork are in terrific shape. The tires have plenty of tread and I’ve taken it on several round trips of 200 miles with no problems whatsoever but I always check the fluids before hitting the road and you would be advised to do so as well with any 56 year old vehicle. The combo “Sit-Rite” attendant seats are in really nice shape as are the reversible floor panels of the Miller Meteor “Speed-O-Magic” versatility. While the original airplane curtains are long gone, I’ll include the curtains that came with it as they’ll make excellent patterns for the next owner. The sixties classic gold and silver glitter “kitchen linoleum flooring” is intact and is as beautiful as you’ll want in the back and doesn’t detract at all from dignified funeral service. The linen storage and medical supplies cabinet are ready for your vintage collection of funeral/ambulance supplies. Also included are the original cot bar, extra fender MM badges, sail panel emblems, steering knuckle and CC windshield wipers as well as a vintage aftermarket air cooler for under the dash and the original CB antenna, which came with the coach. Spare tire with lots of tread on the original riveted CC rim and CC jack are also included, as are the original stainless hubcaps for all four riveted rims. To really make this THE choice acquisition for the funeral/ambulance professional car collector, I’m including the original owners manual, 1962 Cadillac shop manual (reproduction) original delivery booklet which proves the coach provenance and history, Cadillac options brochure, the legendary Tom McPherson “black book “American Funeral Cars and Ambulances since 1900” and the crowning jewel for your purchase, the original Miller Meteor 1962 full color, 16 page sales brochure filled with gorgeous illustrations of hearses, ambulances, combination coaches and flower cars.
This “1962 Cadillac Fleetwood Hearse” in Burbank, California was last seen for sale for $15000.00.