History Have you ever seen a 1932 Ford hearse?

A Deuce hearse would make a interesting hot rod, I have no idea how many were built but I would think it was probable a coach works design, it would make a impressive hot rod.

 

Based on a panel truck. Ford made a lot of different length panels. The coachbuilders probably lengthened the doors and cut the windows in.

 

I wouldn't be caught dead in one!

 

Perfect For A Hip Rock Band On Halloween...

 

A little more searching and I found this information. HRP

Little is known about the Automobile Coach Co., Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri other than the firm was founded in the teens by Carl Butterfield to produce commercial vehicle bodies for metropolitan Kansas City businesses.

In 1924 William L. Fessler, the firm's vice-president, left to start his own business, the Fessler Auto Top Co., which was located at 1943 Broadway, Kansas City. The firm was reorganized as the Fessler Auto Body Corp. on June 17, 1927. At that time Fessler Auto Body's officers were as follows: Wm. K. Fessler, pres.; Harold H. Fessler, secy-treas.; Wm. L. Fessler, mgr. On June 28, 1932, the Fesslers filed for bankruptcy.

However, Fessler's former employer remained in business, producing commercial vehicle and professional car bodies into the mid-thirties.

One of the firm's coaches remains today and was recently offered for sale at a number of collector car auctions. The survivor, which shows only 30,200 miles on the odometer, was built on a 1932 Ford V-8 chassis in July of 1932 and because of unbelievably good luck and caring owners, has been preserved in “The best original condition of any 32 Ford I’ve seen in over 50 years,” according to the auction catalog. The coaches' original blue mohair is in excellent condition with minor wear and normal aging. The original 6-volt siren works perfectly. The wood body frame is original and appears to need absolutely nothing.

Converted when new by the Automobile Coach Co., Inc., its combination hearse/ambulance coachwork is the only vehicle built by the firm currently known to exist. Automobile Coach extended the Model 40 Ford commercial car chassis to a wheelbase of 146 using a Reeves cut-frame extension unit, the finest available at that time.

The pillar-less combination coachwork includes jump seating for emergency personnel as well as small rollers inlaid into the floor that allowed bearers to slide the casket from either side of the vehicle allowing for easy loading and unloading of the casket. A large side-hinged rear door also allowed access to the rear compartment from the rear.

 

Always thought the Model 40 was 33/ 34.

 

And some commented that the Cabriolet was ugly

 

That is what I have always thought, perhaps the individual that wrote the article unintentionally omitted the word (also) as in Automobile Coach also extended the Model 40 Ford commercial car chassis to a wheelbase of 146 using a Reeves cut-frame extension unit, the finest available at that time.

Purely a guess. HRP

 

As has been said for as long as I can remember, " Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" I like it. HRP

 

Neither was Henry, always thought that was strange. His final ride was in a Packard, I think.

 

Never got the hearse fixation or novelty but they make good parts cars.

 

I don't have a fixation but it sure would make a nice family station wagon with some creative work.

Remove all the curtains and install a proper back seat. HRP

 

This would be a lot cooler than an Econoline rolling to a gig!

 

Strange you would say that, A local Rock & Roll party band back in the mid 69's here in town had a '54 Cadillac hearse painted yellow with a black vinyl top to haul their equipment.

Down the side was painted 'The Escorts" with musical notes, they were pretty darn good and had a cool ride. HRP

 

I like it.

 

John Lawson of Fresno, CA has one in his collection of 65+ 32 Fords.

 

Excellent parts hauler.

Sent from my VS835 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Many hearse coach conversions where done by Henney Hearse Coach builders. Ford and Lincoln used Henney. Not sure if they where used in ‘32 but My dad has a 34 Lincoln hearse.

 

1934 Ford Hearse in Sydney Australia back in the 70's . Was powered by a 440 ci Mopar. It is now under restoration back to original.

 

dago88 soon as I saw the 32hearse post I thought of the 34 man its from a long time ago makes me feel old

 

They'll be the last ones to let you down..................

 

Man, the driver of this hearse must have had to be super skinny, that's a short door. HRP

 

I could see us traveling around the country in a 1932 hearse, there would be a lot of room for camping gear and it would be good for swap meets.

 

Hey Brenda , Don't encourage Danny. You already have a beautiful travelling wagon.

 

would love to see the bare chassis,where and how it was lengthened-appears to have the usual 32 line on the front of the rails

 

I wondered about that too!
Ayone know of this Reeves frame extension?

 

That makes for a pretty nice looking conversion. I could also see a similar looking version made up as a hotel or tour bus for some lodge or national park out west.

But what I find most impressive is that so far no one's referred to it as a "hurst".

There may still be hope for civilization. . .

 

I like the way you think, the hotel or tour bus idea would be as they say on the television show " BITCHIN"

And what could possibly be wrong with having a Hearse with a Hurst shiftier? HRP

 

The hearse is as straight as a string! HRP

 

Danny,do you know how many of them were built?