People can decide for themselves whether it is in good taste – a classic can't help its past after all – but a bidding frenzy is expected at Scottsdale in January when Barrett-Jackson sells the 1964 Cadillac Hearse used to transport President John F Kennedy’s body to Air Force One following his assassination in Dallas.
The vehicle will be sold in 21 January at Barrett-Jackson's 41st Scottsdale extravaganza, a year after the same company auctioned the ambulance reputed to have carried JFK's body from Air Force One to the Bethesda Naval Hospital.
Boss Craig Jackson said: "It's an honour to be able to offer a vehicle of this stature. While its duty was solemn, it was also extremely important and played a crucial role in transporting the president so he could be laid to rest."
"The eyes of the world were on this car on that unforgettable day in American history," added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "It's one of the most significant and historical vehicles ever offered for sale."
Some details from B-J:
The hearse is chassis 64Z000050, which was mated to body #64001. It was built by the Miller-Meteor Company in time for display at the National Funeral Home Directors' Association Convention that took place in Dallas in October, 1963.
At the close of the trade show, the hearse was purchased by the O’Neal Funeral Home in Dallas. A few weeks later on Nov. 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was mortally wounded and taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
