1960 Cadillac Fleetwood Thundertaker: This Hearse Was Built for Something Completely Different

The 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood Thundertaker is a one-off custom hearse created by renowned builder Brian Fuller and his team at Fuller Moto in Atlanta, Georgia. The car began life as a 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 hearse supplied by Superior Coach of Ohio. Its transformation was commissioned by a client who wanted the old Cadillac turned into something suitable for family outings, weddings, proms, and nights out. The project became an extreme full custom build requiring more than 10,000 hours of work over several years. Almost every part of the vehicle was redesigned or handcrafted. The original 156 inch GMX frame was replaced with a custom Art Morrison chassis described as the longest chassis ever produced by the legendary builder. It incorporates independent double wishbone front suspension and a fully located live rear axle. Power comes from a GM ZZ454 big block crate engine paired with a heavy duty overdrive automatic transmission and a strange nine inch rear end. The engine produces roughly 440 to 468 horsepower and about 500 pound feet of torque depending on the specifications cited. Fuller envisioned the car as something that could eventually be built for serious speed even suggesting twin turbochargers and a run at Bonneville. The body received an equally dramatic transformation. The roof was chopped approximately 5.5 inches and stretched while the entire body was channeled over the chassis. The rear fins were raised, stretched, and widened emphasizing the Cadillac's enormous proportions. Because the unusual hearse rear glass could not simply be shortened, it was recessed into the body. A huge Webasto style sunroof was also installed. The exterior was finished in House of Collar Orion Silver. Twin compressor RideTech air suspension allows the Thundertaker to be raised for driving or lowered dramatically for display. Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes provide stopping power while chrome wire wheels and wide white wall tires preserve the classic appearance. Inside, the enormous cabin combines period Cadillac styling with modern entertainment. The seats feature white upholstery with gray inserts made from reportedly the last known bolts of fabric used in 1960 Cadillac limousines. Fuller personally sourced Cadillac trim pieces from different years including 1964 door handles and a 1949 coupe dome light. Twin vintage air units, flat screen televisions, Alpine audio equipment, kicker speakers, and Xbox systems add modern comfort. Completed in 2013, the approximately 22-foot-long Thundertaker appeared at SEMA and in Hot Rod magazine and received multiple awards. Its extraordinary proportions, engineering, craftsmanship, and distinctive hearse origins transformed it into a true one-off custom automobile.