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In 2007, Hugh attended a Halloween car show with one of his other classic cars and noted that none of the cars there really pulled off the “Halloween look” very well. Hugh being rather unique himself, thought it would be fun to own a vehicle like few others.
The hearse was in Dallas and for sale on e-Bay. After some negotiation Hugh became it’s fourth owner. In good condition, the unusual car need only a few repairs. Hugh immediately began to decorate the hearse in a Halloween motif.
Everywhere Hugh goes with the oddball wagon it generates comments and picture taking. Some people want their picture taken in it, while others want a picture but won’t venture that close. Some of the more often asked questions are:
“Seen any ghosts?” To which Hugh says, “No, but they are welcome to ride along!”
“Is anyone in the back?” “Not at the moment” he replies, “but you don’t want it to be your last ride!”
“Doesn’t it bother you to drive that thing?” “No, I’m in front.” he responds “much better than bein’ in the back.”
“Is it hard to drive?” Hugh looks surprised. “No, it drives just like a Cadillac!” he states.
The hearse was built by Hess & Eisenhardt of Cincinnati Ohio. This company has built many specialty vehicles including limousines, armored vehicles, military vehicles and hearses. They have built many presidential limousines throughout the years.
The hearse has a 472 cubic inch Cadillac engine and was delivered without a radio or air conditioning. Hugh has since added A/C to make it through Brazos Valley summers. Hugh explains that this hearse is a convertible, meaning that it can be converted to an ambulance with no permanent changes. These type vehicles were used as ambulances before the large truck/van of today. Back when these were built, ambulance service was often part of the typical funeral home business. Often the new units were used as a hearse for a few years then converted to ambulance duty. A far cry from the professional services that we have today! Hugh actually rode an ambulance in Michigan to earn extra money while on leave during his early military career.
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