Did they ever....
- Thread starter Pat Post
- Start date
Aha! Found it. It's a 2007 Superior. I like it. would look better without the huge sconce though. Belongs (belonged) to the Bayliff and Eley Funeral Home of Wapakoneta, OH.
http://www.bayliffandeleyfh.com/bayliff/history.htm
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John Royark JR
PCS Member
It was actually built by Bayliff (the same Bayliff that built Patrick Martins Packard and Cadillac coaches) and Superior, and its a one off. There is an article about it in a issue of TPC, but do not know which one without digging them out. Im sure Patrick knows all the details of this coach.
Also, not on the chassis you asked for, but there has been newer carved side coaches made by others, a 2000 Bennett (hearseworks) Ford van carved side, and Prinzing is currently producing them, they look like 1930s cars.
Also, not on the chassis you asked for, but there has been newer carved side coaches made by others, a 2000 Bennett (hearseworks) Ford van carved side, and Prinzing is currently producing them, they look like 1930s cars.
Patrick J. Martin
PCS Life Member/Illini Chapter President
This particular coach is currently a one-off and was a collaboration between Bayliff Coach and Accubuilt. Budd Bayliff had proposed to his funeral director brother Tom the idea of reviving the carved side coach back in the 1980s, but Tom declined saying that he had no need for a new coach at that time.
But come the early 2000's, and Tom was now in the market for a new coach, so Budd brought up the idea of a new carved coach again. Tom agreed, although Budd was no longer interested in constructing an entire hearse from scratch. So they contacted Accubuilt. Accubuilt agreed to supply the Bayliffs with an unfinished hearse body, to which Bayliff created and applied the carvings.
Accubuilt's part of the deal was that they got promotional rights over the car, which is why it's badged as a Superior. Accubuilt did promote the car when it was new, offering copies for $120,000. There were no takers, leaving Bayliff's car as a one-off.
And hopefully one of these years this car will join the PCS family. Tom Bayliff knows I have first dibs on it when he decides to retire it.
But come the early 2000's, and Tom was now in the market for a new coach, so Budd brought up the idea of a new carved coach again. Tom agreed, although Budd was no longer interested in constructing an entire hearse from scratch. So they contacted Accubuilt. Accubuilt agreed to supply the Bayliffs with an unfinished hearse body, to which Bayliff created and applied the carvings.
Accubuilt's part of the deal was that they got promotional rights over the car, which is why it's badged as a Superior. Accubuilt did promote the car when it was new, offering copies for $120,000. There were no takers, leaving Bayliff's car as a one-off.
And hopefully one of these years this car will join the PCS family. Tom Bayliff knows I have first dibs on it when he decides to retire it.
Patrick J. Martin
PCS Life Member/Illini Chapter President
Although a bit older than the cars being discussed here, there is also a one-off 1977 Lincoln hearse that is a partial revival of the carved coach. It features carved drapes mounted on the outside of the rear compartment windows. Fortunately this car still survives and is now a part of the Patrick Martin collection.
John Royark JR
PCS Member
I didnt even think of your Lincoln, as I dont really consider it a carved side, but as you know Ive seen it in person and LOVE it!!
Also, thanks for the Bayliff/Accubuilt details, I was sure you could help with that one.