Way to Go - History of the Hearse: At the National Motor Museum in the the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia

For many of us, our final journey will be in a hearse but thankfully it’s a trip we’re not likely to remember. But there are those who go to extraordinary lengths to make sure their first ride is not their last by collecting and restoring some classic examples.

“I can go shopping in this (hearse), pick up furniture. Do all sorts of odd jobs around the place. It always starts up and it's ready to go,” said one proud owner.

“We take it on a day's outing and get everyone to put their eskies in the back,” smiled another. “I have thought of rallying it. I think it would be ideal for time trials because I think you'd always be certain to 'arrive dead on time.'

While you probably need a sense of humour to drive around in a disused hearse there is a serious side. The hearse holds an important place in our history and a current exhibition at the National Motor Museum at Birdwood explains it well.

Called "Way To Go", it traces the history of the hearse from its beginnings as an ornate horse-drawn carriage leading a slow and sombre funeral procession through to the various motorised versions that reflect the styles and trends of the time.

“It is indeed fortunate that the state probably has half a dozen of them in various collections public or private. It's important that they are here to reflect a time that shows us the sort of activities we involve in today have a long history.”

“I purchased my hearse in 1983. It's a 1924 vehicle that was used in Gawler up until the early 50s.

“This is a 1959 Cadillac hearse. This is similar to the one in Ghostbusters but this is the young bloke's version of it.

“This car here is a 1972 Chevy/Kingswood. This has basically lived on as an eccentric family heirloom.

“A friend of mine made the mock coffin for the back and we used to have a dummy arm hanging out the side but it upset some of the ladies so we cut that out.

“I love it because of its size and size does matter in something like this. A lot of them are such beautiful cars that have been totally maintained. Some people call it ugly but I think it has its own beauty…”

You can make up you own mind at The National Motor Museum's exhibition 'Way To Go'.

It features hearses from various eras and includes a specially produced video, The History of Hearses. 'Way to go' is on display at the National Motor Museum, Shannon Street, Birdwood until July. It's open daily from 9 until 5.

“Way to Go” - The History of Hearses
The National Motor Museum
Shannon St, Birdwood
Adults $9
Concession $7
Children $4
Family $24
Ph (08) 8568 5006