Some background and history of the car
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. Elvira (body no. 923 and
model no. 604) is one of 256 end-loaders built in 1967. She is actually a
step up from the base model, in that instead of being a Royale, she is 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.
The formal drapes were a no cost option in lieu of the standard airliner
drapes. Originally there were drapes across the rear window too, but these
have been removed for better visibility.
Elvira was first owned by a Jewish funeral home in
New Jersey. Early in 1968 with just 6,000 miles on her, she was sold to the Eggen & Lance Mortuary of
1540 Mendocino Av, Santa Rosa, California who drove her cross country to her
new home. She remained there in loyal and faithful service for nearly 30 years
until she was sold in late 1997, as she was considered to be too old.
Apparently as a protest to her leaving, she required a jump-start and quick charge
to begin her last great journey. Imported to Australia by Sutherlands American
Car Sales of Carrara, Queensland, she was converted to right hand drive in
August 1998 and eventually sold to myself in October 1999.
In December 2000, Elvira was finally retired from
the funeral business! During her 30 year career she carried many thousands of
persons to their final resting place. Since being converted to a limousine
in 2001, Elvira has been seen every night cruising the dark, lonely and forgotten
streets of Sydney doing her Weird Sydney Ghost and History Tours, and has
gained quite a reputation for being the world's most haunted hearse.