Some think they are ugly. Some see them as creepy. Myself, I believe that hearses, especially the old ones, are the most beautiful vehicles ever built. For a moment, forget the death factor. Cadillac, Packard, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Studebacker, Pierce Arrow, Etc. They built some of the hearses that rolled over cemetery driveways through history. The long body, sleek movement, plush interiors and, of course, the drapes in the windows are all the makings of a funeral coach.

Most hearses were hand built and the undertaker would order the car to his own specs. This made the hearse a one-of-a-kind. Most that were sold from a funeral home after their service was done were in perfect order. The funeral home kept their cars in excellent condition. You sure didn't want them breaking down in the middle of a funeral or not starting in the first place.

Sadly, many of these beautiful automobiles have fallen into disrepair over the years. Many sit in yards and fields rusting away. Some can be found in old barns, garages and sheds covered in an inch of dust and with their curtains in tatters. To look at some of these old rust buckets, you would never imagine that once, they were built by some of the leading coach builders in the world.

This blog highlights photographs of many of these poor old cars rotting away in the farm fields and back yards of homes around the countryside. Such a shame as, once the car is gone, another one-of-a-kind has bit the dust forever.