Some people don’t think about the car they want for their funeral, while for others it’s a vital piece of the plan, highlighting their personality and quirks.
A highly personalised funeral car can add an extra layer of meaning to farewells, reflecting both tradition and reflecting the life of the person who has passed on.
While most funeral cars are the typical black hearse, elegant yet understated, some stand out for their custom design, or unique reflection in the life of the deceased. Elvis Presley’s funeral car, a white Cadillac hearse, has become an enduring symbol, carrying him from Graceland to his final resting place. Fans and onlookers flocked to see this vehicle, and it’s remembered as one of the most iconic funeral cars in modern times.
Similarly, Princess Diana’s funeral procession car became iconic worldwide. These vehicles were not just funeral cars —they were part of a deeply meaningful farewell, celebrating the lives they commemorated.
But you don’t have to be a celebrity to make a conscious choice about your funeral car.
Historic Vintage Funeral Cars
The funeral car has evolved over the years, partly because cars (and attitudes to funerals) have themselves evolved, but few periods produced hearses as striking as those from the early 20th century. In the 1920s through the 1940s, funeral cars reflected the high elegance of the art deco and gothic styles popular at the time. These vehicles often showcased intricate wood panelling, ornate detailing, and custom glass windows to display the casket. Another vintage and elegant option is using a horse-drawn carriage to carry the casket.
The Personal Touch
Families and funeral directors now work together to find hearses that reflect the personality of the deceased, with many funeral directors having a fleet or access to a fleet of vehicles that celebrate individuality. Motorcycle hearses are perhaps one of the more well-known. These modified motorcycles with sidecars can carry a casket, making them perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts or those with a love of the open road. A personalised funeral car allows families to celebrate the personality and passions of their loved one, creating a unique and memorable experience.
In the UK, there is no law that limits which type of hearse can be used in a funeral procession. However, there are some things to consider when planning a funeral procession that’s outside the normal. A coffin can be transported in any vehicle that can safely accommodate it. So it’s not uncommon to find vehicles like pickup trucks, buses, or camper vans transformed into hearses and they are often used when a family wants to honour a specific passion or lifestyle, creating a more casual, unique procession.
But funeral processions must follow all traffic rules, including roundabouts and traffic lights. And if the procession involves a really unusual funeral car, like a crane for example, your local funeral directors should notify the police or local council. The police can take control of a procession if it’s long or slow-moving or causing a problem. You want the procession to go smoothly.
Technology has also influenced funeral car designs. Some modern hearses feature GPS tracking so that family members can follow the procession closely, especially if the service is spread out across multiple locations. Other models come with LED lighting and custom interiors that can display messages or symbols meaningful to the family.
But What Makes Unique Funeral Cars So Important?
Modern funerals aren’t about grieving and sadness. They are a celebration of life. Custom funeral cars are another way to allow families to celebrate a life well lived, offering a meaningful tribute that honours the individuality of their loved one.
Unique funeral cars turn a simple farewell into a significant experience for those attending. They help mourners feel connected, not only to their loved one but also to the memories and lifestyle of their loved one. Feeling connected and shared memories also help the natural grieving process.
Final Thoughts
As traditions evolve, so do the ways we choose to remember and honour those we’ve lost. Unique funeral cars play a special role in that farewell. They allow us to personalise the journey, honour the lives they carry and truly celebrate their life in a way that’s truly reflective of them. Personalised funeral hearses become beautiful, lasting tributes.
