THE ULTIMATE JOURNEY

Simon Manning had a clear idea of a dream hearse: a 1959 Cadillac. He found one but it took eight years of restoration to give this handsome classic a new life in New Zealand, where it would once again ferry those entering the next life.

Simon says every part of this American import received attention in the restoration, right down to the last nut and bolt. During the photo shoot, photographer Ross de Rouffignac said the workmanship looked flawless through both his naked eye and his camera lens.

I first saw this hearse during its first New Zealand public appearance at Moonshine Rod and Custom Club’s American Vehicle Day in February 2021. During the show, Simon received many compliments about his Cadillac’s gleaming