Hearses are vehicles you don’t want to see but are a necessary part of our society. Despite their negative connotations, hearses, more properly called funeral cars, allow a loved one’s family to mourn with dignity and respect during a trying and difficult time.
See answers to frequently asked questions about hearses and funeral cars in today’s blog.
Why is a funeral car called a hearse?
The term hearse comes from a Middle English term for a decorative framework placed over the tomb or coffin of the honored dead. Since the 17th century, a hearse came to be known as a funeral car bearing a coffin.
How much does a hearse cost in 2022?
The least expensive model (a Cadillac XT5) may cost around $46,000 retail.
What is the most expensive hearse ever made?
The most expensive funeral car ever made was a Rolls-Royse Phantom Hearse B12, a custom-made vehicle at 23 feet long with a V12, 6.75L engine. It cost more than $662,000 to produce, and it’s one-of-a-kind.
Do hearses smell?
Yes, funeral cars may have a smell, but usually that’s because of the cleaning agents used to maintain the vehicle in between services.
What is driver etiquette for hearses and funeral processions?
If you’re driving and you encounter a hearse with a funeral procession, please follow these rules of the road, although these are not strict laws:
- Yield the right of way to a hearse leading a funeral procession, much like you would for an emergency vehicle. The last car in the procession should have flags on it denoting the end of the procession. If you’re at an intersection, the funeral procession has the right of way even if the traffic light changes.
- Pull over to the side of the road to let the procession pass, if possible.
- Never cut into or travel at the end of a funeral procession.
- Do not honk your horn, rev your engine, or be aggressive toward a funeral procession.
- Watch for the last car in the procession. It should have its flashing lights on to indicate where the procession ends.
What was the hearse that carried Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin?
A state funeral car carried Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin from Royal Air Force Northolt to its final resting place at Windsor Castle’s King George VI Memorial Chapel. The queen herself approved the final design ahead of planning her funeral. It was designed and built by The Royal Household and Jaguar Land Rover. The color of the funeral hearse is called Royal Claret, the same hue used on all royal and official state vehicles in Great Britain, according to Harper’s Bazaar.
Who can custom-design a funeral car?
If you’re in the market for a luxury hearse, look no further than CoachWest. As southern California’s premium luxury & professional motorcar provider, we can help you find the perfect funeral car to meet your needs.
Give us a call today or contact us on our website for more information on our available inventory of hearses.
