In recent years, not very many Funeral Homes or Mortuaries have been able to afford a Flower Car Coach for their entourage, consequently, these great show vehicles are made in small numbers each year (under 5 according to Mike Kellerman). Developed initially as formal transportation for the floral tribute they were part of America History since the 1930's. They showed respect for the departed, as well as, the guests who made the gesture by displaying the flowers for all to see, transported 'in-style' all the way to the Cemetery. In the past, there could be as many as 8 Floral Coaches leading the procession for Dignitaries, Movie Stars and, in the old days, even Gangsters (remember the Godfather film and recently, the John Gotti Funeral)? They were the pride of the FD's Fleet and characteristically, were the most expensive Coach in the lineup. Most often seen in the big Cities across America like New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago.
This Coach was custom built by 'MK Coach' Company which is the brainchild of Mike Kellerman. He eventually re-created Eagle Coach by buying out the remnants of the skilled staff of Hess & Eisenhardt (S&S ) and a few folks from Superior Coachbuilders who had gravitated to the original Eagle Coach in Cleveland. He is universally respected and renown for offering Quality and Value up against the larger Coach Houses, like Accubilt and Federal. Recognizing the talent currently available at Eagle (founded in 1981), he purchased it in 1989. By 1990, Eagle moved into it's present plant, in Amelia, Ohio, more then doubling it's size. He ended up with almost 50 employees, building 240 hearses a year, and unlike the previous Coachbuilders exporting to Belgium and Japan , as well as, the top Livery dealers across the USA. He specialized in Lincoln and Cadillac hearses, even offering a long-wheelbase Flower car, called the “Cortiege”. It had the ability to not only perform as a Flower car but, also the duel function of carrying the casket. The result in overall design is beautiful and far superior to the stoic version offered by the other Coach Builders. His premise in building Hearses was to use the original manufacturers chassis to avoid cutting and altering factory specs. That resulted in eliminating all the problems that were cropping up. Quote “The best engineers in designing and building a funeral coach are the OEM factory engineers.” By building onto a heavy-duty 7-passenger w/cargo frame, and not “cutting it,” the MK features a chassis that keeps crucial vehicle operational lines intact as well as all OEM factory warranties”. It's our understanding, after selling Eagle, and the Non-Compete Agreement expiring, Kellerman formed MK Coach and continued his reputation of promised High Quality. This car is the result of his efforts. Built in limited numbers, this small wheelbase XTS Flower Car Cadillac, makes the perfect compliment to any FD's Fleet. With it's Unique Roofline, Stainless Crown and quality Chrome Coach lamps it catches the eye of every passer-by.
Finished in Aspen Black with Full Black Leather and Black Vinyl Top is factory fit with the 3.6 V6 that smoothly pushes out an amazing 305 hp. Coup-led with the body modifications, this car is quite fast. It carries a Six-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ Overdrive, Independent Rear Suspension w/ Traction Control, and 4-Wheel ABS Brembo Disc Brakes. The entire back clip is custom made of polished 304 Stainless Steel Crown & Flower Bed. The Grille & Badge used by MK is different then stock versions (Turbo-Model )and it carries the polished 19" Silver Alloy Wheels w/ Chrome Accents, a real bonus when it comes to ride quality vs. the (often criticized, 'hard riding' chrome 20” version). It has Air Conditioning, Sirius XM /AM/FM/HD/Sat. Radio, LCD Monitor, Keyless Entry, Heated Mirrors, Driver & Passenger Lumbar Support, UltraSonic Parking Assist, and CUE (Cadillac User Experience) factory upgraded, which offers a large Touchscreen, Voice Recognition, Phone, Audio & Navigation Functions. Once you learn it's simple operation it's a blast! With first year build, being 2013, the 2014 Model has vast improvements including Standard Electric Power Steering, Auto Brake Assist, Intellibeam Headlamps, Memory Seat, Leather Covered Steering Wheel, and Opaque Sunshade. The rear doors allow access to the Space Saver Spare and make great storage for service of graveside items. This Coach has all the Warranty Upgrades and drives out like new.
What is refreshing is the bold new styling consistent with Cadillac's 'Edgy' New Look. Even in this Coupe DeFleur Design its still roomy and refined. High Quality material one's expects from a Cadillac. Even High Tech features like the TFT (thin-film-transistor) Instrument Cluster. I thought the DTS Flower Car was a great Model but,....this Coach takes the Cake. This XTS Coach defines Cadillac and MK Coach at it's Finest Hour. In Stock being Retro Fitted w/more options....
