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1948 CADILLAC 'SAYERS & SCOVILL' DELUXE VICTORIA 76 3-WAY HEARSE
This incredible discovery was professionally restored, with hundreds of man-hours spent ...
bringing this wonderful old Funeral Coach back to Service. It is one of the few S&S Coaches that still exist, as Model# 2801, carried on the extended 76 Cadillac Chassis. The S&S Manufacturer's # is 8389, DELUXE VICTORIA Model. It features both Side-Doors & Endloading Door. According to The Standard Catalog for Cadillac, G.M. produced about 1,694 Commercial chassis for all 5 body builders/ Coach Houses including Meteor, Eureka, A.J. Miller, Superior and S&S /Hess & Eisenhart (Grand Total: was actually 4,727 to include Packard Henney & Chrysler). That would extrapolate to a very low build...probably about 338. With even lower production for the 3-Way Body Style. Worth mentioning: The Classic Car Club of America recognizes all 75 Series Cadillac models as Full American Classics while the Milestone Society also recognizes the 75 Sedan & Limousine as "Certified Milestone Cars". This would help set this car next to Top Contender's at any Car Show or PCS Show field.
With major design changes marking the Cadillac's design for 1948, General Motors actually styled the '48 with small tailfins inspired by the Lockheed P-38 fighter planes. The egg-crate grille was higher in the middle than on the sides and gave the impression of "Class and Stature" from the moment the car pulled into the driveway or Porte Coche. The front of the car was protected by a massive bumper bar which curved around the fenders. The Commercial Chassis carried 163" wheelbase while the Limousine carried 136". This coach would have sold new for about $5,535.00, plus Options. Interiors were deliberately made plain and simple with thick wool door panels and seating. This Era represented The Last of the Big "Classic Cadillac's". And the Luxury Standard Bearer for the immediate Postwar World. Truly an imposing Automobile. The Cadillac's of that Period carry the burden of that history with a Degree of Elegance not found in most all of the other marquee's. The 1948'S stood alone in an explosion of "luxury" cars that came after with 'overdone' by Fins and Flash as The Last of the Truly Stately Cadillac's.
This native California bred Cadillac was born in Rossmoyne (Cincinnati), Ohio with a Hydramatic Automatic Transmission, and 346 cubic inch V8 / 150 h.p. @ 3,400 r.p.m -said to be State-of-the Art in 1948. However, in the interest of dependability, as a Full Service Coach. this Hearse was treated to a Complete Restoration to include new paint, interior, mechanical upgrade and re-chrome. It received a professional transplant of a 472 c.i. V8 from a '73 S&S Cadillac with a 400 Turbo Automatic. The entire front suspension clip was painstakingly married to the '48 so, this vehicle now benefits from a more modern technology including Better Steering, Better (Disc) Brakes and Much Better Steering capabilities. The wiring was completely redone by Ron Francis and new 'Vintage" Air Conditioning added as well. The Radiator was built to match the package and a 3:42 Rear End Installed for better mileage. It carries all New Brakes yet, retains the stock, Rear Leaf Springs and Shocks. Coker Wide Whitewall Radial Tires are mounted on 15" wheels and topped by the traditional Sombrero Cadillac Hubcaps of the Period. The Wool Interior was Custom made by Portace Trim to match the pattern and character of the original. No casket table is in place. Mileage on this 15 yr.old restoration is only '00860'. We just did further re-restoration and have added restored Hubcap Centers, Rear Door Vintage Chrome Drape, Door Funeral Home Sign Holders and much More. This Coach will be re-priced after more Optional items arrive. Carpet or Mohair for the Casket Chamber is also available.
A Coach ready for use for any Service yet, modernized, just enough, to be fully functional yet, retain the original beauty of the Coachbuilders Dream. She drives "As New". Priced to sell at $69,500 (trades considered worthy of our inventory 1949-1974, low mileage-mint condition). We have accessed a matching Limo for those that can budget a two-car purchase.
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STOCK/INV. NUMBER:
'SAYERS & SCOVILL'
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