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See this coach in the movie, "The
Miracle Match," available from
Amazon.
This beautiful 1953 Superior Cadillac
combination coach is finished in sable black with a burgundy vinyl
interior. A funeral director in 1953 would have paid $7,057.00 for this
coach which he could use in his business as both an ambulance and a
hearse. It is one of only 760 Superior Cadillac commercial chassis cars
produced that year, and rides on a 157-inch wheelbase. Superior Coach
Company of Lima, Ohio was celebrating their pearl anniversary year.
The 1953 Cadillacs, including the
limousines and special long-wheelbase commercial chassis (now designated
as model 8680-S) used by the coachbuilders, were powered by a 331 cubic
inch, 210 horsepower V-8 Cadillac engine. For 1953, a
12-volt electrical system was introduced, and passenger cars could be
ordered with air conditioning, which was a trunk-mounted unit. This
particular coach is nearly devoid of options. There is, fortunately, an
automatic transmission. There is no power steering, power brakes, air
conditioning, or radio. It does have a heater in both the front and rear
of the coach. Without power steering this car is a challenge to park and
drive. Once moving, though, you really don't miss the power steering . .
. too much!
This funeral coach does have some of
the features Superior Coach Company had pioneered in the years since the
World War II. On the passenger side of the casket compartment are two
folding attendant's seats. Fold-N-Seats, as Superior called them.
The burgundy phenolic floor has reversible casket rollers so that, when
used as an ambulance, there was a smooth surface for the cot to roll
over. The Washington cot bar on the left-hand-side wheel well housing
anchors the two-man ambulance cot in place during transit.
Since this coach has Superior's optional suicide doors, it also has
Superior's Safe-T-Bar door locks. Superior Coach Co. made this standard
equipment in 1947 as a safety precaution to prevent the rear suicide
doors from coming open unexpectedly. There is a dial on the partition,
operable from either the front or the rear compartment, which
effectively "bars" the doors closed, much like a dead bolt lock. This
car also has Superior's Roto-Hex bier pins. We take adjustable casket
holders for granted now, but they were new and special advancements in
the post World War II hearse world. The windshield mounted, cast
aluminum FUNERAL COACH sign, a common sight in the pre- and post-war
era, marked the most dignified car in the funeral procession. From
the front, you may also notice the
red lenses in the parking lights.
These red lights were used when the coach was being used as an
ambulance. It was common in many communities -- until the late
1970s in fact -- for the funeral home to also provide ambulance service.
Our 1953 Superior served the Dodd Funeral Home owned by
second-generation funeral director Eldo Dodd and his wife, Cora, in
Paris Crossing, Indiana until it was purchased at an auction on December
12, 1992. The new owner, Mr. Norman Norvell owner of Norvell Funeral
Homes of nearby Mt. Vernon, IN, purchased the vehicle for $6,200.
Although Mr. Norvell rarely used the 1953 Superior Cadillac for funeral
services, it was often displayed outside of the funeral home for
passers-by in downtown Mt. Vernon to enjoy. In August 2001, I
purchased this 45,000 mile vehicle from Mr. Norvell, who was in failing
health and retiring from his life-long career in funeral service. It was
immediately transported to our home in suburban St. Louis, MO by Mr.
Darren Melton, owner of Class Act Transportation. It now enjoys
the leisurely life of a retired funeral coach. Mr. Norvell passed away
shortly thereafter.
If you can find it, purchase the book
The Country Undertaker's Wife, by Cora Deputy Dodd, published in
1993 by Still Waters Press. You'll enjoy a fascinating look at
life from the view of Mrs. Dodd, and a few shots of this 1953 coach as
well! Try
Amazon for the book.
[Special thanks to Matthew Coon of
Ligonier, Indiana for his information on this car's history!] |
