Departing in Italian Fashion: A Hearse Based on the Maserati Ghibli
Here, when someone's time has come and must be driven to his or her final resting place, we are used to see large American vehicles do the job: whether it’s a Lincoln Town Car or a Cadillac Deville, the sight of an American car painted in black and hauling a coffin has been implanted in our mind.
Elsewhere in the world however, things are different. In Italy for example, big American sedans are pretty much unknown. This is why other brands' vehicles are used, and usually, it's a Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For some people with nationalistic beliefs however, a German car simply won’t do.
Ellena Autotrasformazioni, an Italian coachbuilder, just built a hearse based on a pure-blooded Italian car. Here's their take on a Maserati Ghibli, which has been heavily modified for its new role.
The car is obviously longer than stock: with a total length of 6.62 metres, it can now accommodate the huge rear section—made of fiberglass—that has been grafted onto it. The interior is fitted with luxurious materials like chrome trim and leather. Under the hood, we find a turbo-diesel V6 engine.
The end result might not be to everyone's tastes, but it has the merit of being unique… and Italian.