After more than two years searching the world, Paul Dunstall finally tracked down a memorable car for a memorable occasion. Photo / Duncan Brown
It is both grand and solemn. Sombre yet uplifting.
It is a 1938 Plymouth hearse - a huge slice of American automobilia which in the current world of rising fuel prices looks slightly out of place.
But it is not out of place for an occasion of celebratory
remembrance ... and it will only be used for short journeys.
For Napier funeral director Paul Dunstall, the arrival of the grand Machine a few days ago was the culmination of more than two years searching for an historic hearse ... something from the 1930s which would be memorable for his clients as well as fitting in a city blessed with '30s Art Deco.
He and wife Michelle scoured the internet for something suitable. "We came across some in the US but they weren't so good and they wanted top dollar," Mr Dunstall said.
It was his wife who came upon a site in Australia which specialised in hiring out classic hearses.
They made a call - asking if they knew of any for sale, rather than hire.
"They said yes, there was one for sale ... in Perth."
It transpired the Plymouth had been sent to Western Australia in 1938 for use as an ambulance. However, that plan was sidelined and modifications to the "delivery sedan" were made so it could be used as a hearse.
The calls and emailing of photos from Perth to Napier began.
"It looked exactly what we were after. It was all sight unseen ... we were going by the photos."
The deal was done and the hearse carefully tucked into a large shipping container.
When the Dunstalls first cast eyes on it they smiled.
"It was exactly as it looked in the photos. It's beautiful. And the engine has never been touched in its 70 years of life ... it just turned over and purred."
Tough on fuel? Not really, Mr Dunstall said, pointing out it was driven by a straight six engine of 3.3 litres.
"It's just a baby."
Despite the weight, length and lack of power steering, it was not a monster to drive.
"It's not too bad at all. You have to feel it through the gears though as there's no synchro in first, and the synchro in second and third is not synchro as we know it."
After a flawless vehicle inspection to complete the required paperwork, the Plymouth was readied for its role.
It had been requested for its first funeral service on Saturday.
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