Elvira has carried over 10,000 people to their final
resting place!
In 1967
Cadillac shipped 2,333 Series 69890 commercial chassis (featuring a 156"
wheelbase and a perimeter-type frame) to the three major US funeral car
and ambulance manufacturers. The cost of these was approximately $3,500
and industry leader Superior Coach of Lima, Ohio bought 1100 of them,
delivering 20 funeral flower cars, 300 ambulances, 406 combination cars
and 374 funeral cars. Styling of the Cadillac commercial chassis was
compatible with that of their passenger cars, and it was not uncommon for
larger funeral directors to operate sizeable fleets of matching Cadillac
hearses, limousines, flower cars, and an ambulance or two.
There were 4 series in the
Superior model lineup for 1967. Royale, Crown Royale, Sovereign and Crown
Sovereign. Within the Royale and Sovereign series there were two limousine
styles each, and one landau. The Crowns were available in limousine or
landau styles. This coach (body no. 923 and model no. 604) is one of 256
end-loaders built in 1967. It is actually a step up from the base model,
in that instead of being a Royale, it's a Royale Tiara Limousine (note the
tiara molding at the D pillar) and cost $11,360. Researchers belonging to
the Professional Car Society estimate about 45-65 of this particular model
were built in 1967. Probably not too many still survive.
This vehicle was first
owned by a Jewish funeral home in Pennsylvania. Early in 1968 they sold it
to the Eggen & Lance Mortuary of 1540 Mendocino Av, Santa Rosa, California
who drove it cross country to its new home. It remained there in loyal and
faithful service for nearly 30 years until it was sold in late 1997, as it
was considered to be too old. Apparently as a protest to its leaving, the
coach required a jump-start and quick charge to begin its last great
journey. Imported to Australia by Sutherlands American Car Sales of
Carrara, Queensland, it was converted to right hand drive in August 1998
and eventually sold to Destiny Tours Sydney in October 1999.
In April 2000 Elvira participated in the Cadillac LaSalle Club of
Australia’s 30th Anniversary Rally at Wagga, being conspicuous
as the only hearse amongst 70 classic Cadillacs. In May 2000 she starred
in her first movie role “Sunday”
a short film made by the Australian Film Television and Radio School.
Sunday was the winner of the Judges and Audience Choice Awards at the
Sydney Fringe Festival in January 2001. Shortly after that Elvira
performed her one and only funeral on Australian soil. In the meantime she
won several awards at various car shows and early in 2001 was lovingly
refurbished and put back to work in a new and
exciting tourist venture!
Elvira's
Specifications
429ci (7 litres) V8 motor
340 bhp @ 4,600rpm
4 barrel Rochester Quadrajet carburettor
Turbo Hydra-Matic Transmission
Electronic ignition
156" (396cm) wheelbase
21 feet (6.4 metres) long
Weighs 6,160 lbs (2,800 kgs)
Runs on environmentally friendly LPG (2 x 68 litre tanks) and uses 34
litres / 100 km (8 mpg)
Elvira's Unique Features
Green neon ground effects lighting
Amber strip lighting below doors
4 clear coloured strobe lights in the grille
LED lighting effects in front cabin
Siren
PA system
Air conditioning front
and rear
Central locking with alarm
Amplified sound system with front and rear speakers
Cut down coffin for storage
2 flag holders for proudly flying the Australian flag
Very soft, comfortable ride
"Weird Sydney Ghost and History Tour"
magnetic signage is removable
Tachograph fitted
Two batteries, two fire extinguishers, three horns, one first aid kit
Drink cooler
Ultrasonic reversing sensors
Elvira was the first ex-hearse
licensed by the NSW Ministry of Transport as a tourist vehicle!
(Morticia was the second).
