1964 Oldsmobile 98 Hearse

Description

It seems odd to think about it, but hearses like this 1964 Oldsmobile 98 built by Cotner-Bevington were probably the last true coachbuilt US automobiles. There is a long and delightful history behind the company that built it (Cotner-Bevington, not Oldsmobile), which we don't have time for here, but suffice to say that professional car fans will be delighted with this highly original piece of professional car history.

Looking at this hearse, you quickly realize the extraordinary work that went into the conversion. It's not just a sedan that's been lengthened, but just about every piece of the car aft of the firewall was custom built just for this application. And the shocking thing is how well it works with the factory styling to create a very well-integrated look that is still instantly recognizable as Oldsmobile. Like most professional cars, this one hasn't seen a lot of use and shows just 53,421 original miles, most of which were likely accumulated at about 30 MPH. It probably never spent a night outdoors and in this business, you can't have a dirty car; no that just wouldn't be acceptable at all. So it's very nicely preserved and although it's certainly not perfect, it shows very well. All the bespoke hearse components are in excellent shape but if you look closely, you can see a few places where the new parts were grafted onto the Oldsmobile chassis, but that's interesting rather than a demerit. Even more amazing is the stainless trim, which is not only in great shape, but becomes even more remarkable when you realize that it was all custom made to match the OEM stuff on the front end. Impressive, right?

The interior is a combination of luxury and bare-bones practicality. The driver gets a standard Oldsmobile dashboard and a no-nonsense vinyl interior, which, in this car's case, is a surprisingly cheerful blue and white combination. The dash is in excellent condition and the door panels are just as intricate and attractive as on the 98 sedans. Options are limited to, well, there are none, not even a radio, because you really have no business listening to music at a time like this. There's a sliding divider to the rear section and overhead there's enough headroom for Abe Lincoln AND his stovepipe hat. The rear compartment is beautifully trimmed in matching blue and white, with elegant curtains in the rear windows. Rollers on the floor accommodate the casket and still have the original lock-down clamps in place, too. And it's all beautifully preserved.

The engine is a standard Oldsmobile 394 cubic inch V8, which is a sprightly performer in most cases. However, with close to 7000 pounds to pull around, it's a little more deliberate in this hearse, but again, that's not really a demerit here. The engine bay is quite original and well-maintained, as you'd expect, from the original air cleaner to the finned valve covers. There are still traces of factory red engine enamel clinging to the block and no car this size would be possible without power steering. A familiar Oldsmobile Hydra-Matic automatic transmission feeds a heavy-duty rear end, which now hangs on new shocks. There's also a fresh custom exhaust system that's properly muted, and you probably won't be shocked to learn that this sucker rides like a hovercraft. Standard Oldsmobile hubcaps are dignified and sit inside a set of vintage-looking bias-ply whitewalls.

Yes, we know a hearse isn't everyone's cup of tea, but you won't get a more elegant, beautifully finished, hand-built car for less money anywhere, and professional car societies have some pretty awesome meets. Call today!