By Robert Emslie
When Lorna Johnson passed away from cancer recently, her family felt that a costumed funeral would be the best way to honor her memory as she loved Halloween, and in the words of her son, “would have wanted a party to mark her death.” That’s why Darth Vader – in fact Funeral Director Brett Houghton – is leading Ms. Johnson, who is riding in a Coleman-Milne-converted Ford Cardinal Hearse, itself a pretty spectacular last ride.
This brings up two points about the Brits: they have amazing funerals, and equally amazing hearses.
Last Call indicates the end of Hooniverse’s broadcast day. It’s meant to be an open forum for anyone and anything. Thread jacking is not only accepted, it’s encouraged.
Image: BBC.com
Latest
Cars, Trucks, Bikes, Project Cars, DIY, Travel, Adventure, Podcast, Videos
Jeff Glucker
You know I’m a farm kid when I look at that and think about how awesome of a pickup that would make.
There is a factory pickup version, though it does have a shorter wheelbase,
and a choice of 24v 4.0 six, 24v turbo 4.0 six or 5.0 32 V and supercharged 32 V 5.0 V8, all available with 6 speed manual or auto but only in Australia and NZ – though obviously someone is taking sedans through to the UK.
http://www.carsbase.com/photo/Ford-FG_Falcon_Ute_XR6_mp8_pic_55481.jpg
Damn…
Why, Ford, why can’t we have nice things?
We don’t get the Taurus, with it’s weight and high beltline.Everything is a trade-off.
True, but can any of Taurus’ engines be made to make 1200-1400 hp on the dyno?
My point exactly.
The EA169 Falcon platform has also been developed into an AWD version which of course comes with the same sixes but no V8s.Longitudinally mounted engine rear drive bias like a BMW X5 (and with the same ZF 6spd auto transmission as the X5) with the diesel V6 offered the same as the Land Rover/Peugeot Citroen V6
But it suffers from the same thing that affects the Chevrolet SS. The Not Invented Here Syndrome. Which is ironic as the six IS the old US Falcon/Mustang/F150 straight six with a new head.
Ford Territory Mk1
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/2009-2010_Ford_Territory_%28SY_II%29_TX_wagon_01.jpg/1024px-2009-2010_Ford_Territory_%28SY_II%29_TX_wagon_01.jpg
Territory Turbo
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/images/territory-ford-turbo-3.jpg
Current Territory
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/11/2011_Ford_Territory_%28SZ%29_Titanium_TDCi_wagon_%282011-11-17%29_01.jpg/1024px-2011_Ford_Territory_%28SZ%29_Titanium_TDCi_wagon_%282011-11-17%29_01.jpg
Is that hearse a double decker?
I’m thinking you get to go standing up.
I hope I never get too old to go standing up.
Plus a few on the roof rack. I guess the Brits are prepared for the next cholera or influenza outbreak.
From what I’ve read with English funeral directors, they may load up a few in the actual hearse for a trip to the crematory; American funeral homes are more likely to use a “first call” vehicle (a van, maybe with landau panels) whenever possible and only use the formal hearse for public services.
Coleman-Milne’s motto: “Modify, then add Dark Side.”
Interesting that they imported a late-model Aussie Falcon (FG, I want to say?) only to chop it up.
Puts a new light on Hell Corner at Bathurst.
When I driving north of Belfast in 2011 I was intrigued to see a BA Fairmont (or Fairlane) hearse. In the seventies small numbers of V-8 Fairmont wagons were sold in the UK.
Indeed an FG, like this, has been hacked around to make the hearse.The sportier XR6 and XR8 versions have a slightly different headlight treatment the like New South Wales police car below.
The last Falcon is the FG-X as seen above, the final facelift.
No, I don’t understand why the police need 400+ hp turbo patrol cars – perhaps it helps recruitment of drivers
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Ford_Falcon_FG_Sedan.jpg/800px-Ford_Falcon_FG_Sedan.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/2010_Ford_FG_Falcon_XR6_Turbo_-_NSW_Police_-_SWM262_%288598731665%29.jpg/800px-2010_Ford_FG_Falcon_XR6_Turbo_-_NSW_Police_-_SWM262_%288598731665%29.jpg
Spectacular construction…all that glass. Sure it’s not a botched popemobile prototype?
If you google Ford Cardinal you will be impressed with the results some of which I include below:
http://truck-uk.smugmug.com/ClassicCars/FORD-MOTOR-COMPANY/i-rKQPMmd/0/L/FORD%20CARDINAL%20(HEARSE)-L.jpg
http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss37/harlanstoys/003-18.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6351981460_a228b42e4b.jpg
http://platewave.com/content/plate/photos/resized/NBU60W_1363708687.jpg
Third one down lives within fifteen miles of me.
*Proud Essex Resident*
Time to add a clause to the old last will and testament?
And all because they didn’t bring in these.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Ford_Falcon_XD_Sundowner_Panel_Van_(16017945469).jpg