Reproduced from Land Rover Owner International, November: Issue 12 2004

THE HEAVY WOODEN door swings slowly open, revealing a pair of Zambezi Silver Land Rovers. The XS Defenders gleam and sparkle in the early-morning light. They look identical, with matching everything, but their roles couldn't be more diverse. While the 110’s role is that of wedding wagon, the longer wheelbase 130 has been professionally converted into a hearse.

Husband and wife team, Jacqui and John Dewar, are experienced funeral directors, and owners of both vehicles. They're also mad keen on Land Rovers. 'I've driven them for years, on and off the road,' explains Jacqui. Even before the couple had ordered their dream 110 Defender, Jacqui was already thinking about earning a living from it.

'Once we had taken delivery of the vehicle, I began thinking about how I could use it in our work.'

The idea of using the new vehicle in their funeral directing business took hold. Jacqui and John already knew of several companies that operated unusual hearses, including a motorcycle and sidecar creation. 'The owner of that, the Rev Paul Sinclair, was very encouraging about our idea and suggested we use the XS no as wedding transport. Demand is clearly out there for the unusual,' reckons Jacqui.

'I've even heard of a guy who uses a flat-bed lorry as a hearse,' says Jacqui. 'There's even a steam train version in Yorkshire . . .'

With the encouragement and advice they'd received, Jacqui and John decided to approach a vehicle builder to convert the 130. Like many Land Rover fans, the couple knew about Essex-based Foley Specialist Vehicles, experts in stretched and custom-built Land Rovers.

'We both went down to their workshop to discuss our idea,' says Jacqui. Peter, Paul and Stuart Foley didn't seem fazed by the couple's plans.

'We came away and looked at the costs and feasibility of the project,' says Jacqui. 'I went on a business course and we did plenty of research before committing ourselves to the project. Many people just wouldn't dare do what we've done.'

A Land Rover hearse is different, that's for sure. In fact, it's believed to be the only one in the UK.

Two key characteristics of a hearse are the beautiful wood-veneered deck in the back and the huge side-windows. Oh, and the bodywork is usually black, too.

The rear deck proved to be the most challenging part to create, because Jacqui and John wanted it to move up and down. This is so that they can cater for even the largest caskets, which can measure up to 30 inches high. Fortunately, John has an engineering background, having served an apprenticeship with CAV Lucas 30 years ago. He was able to design the entire deck mechanism - he even provided Foley with the stainless steel fittings for it.

Before the walnut veneer could be applied and the XS trim fitted, Foley had to build the vehicle, and John had very particular ideas about that as well. For example, there's no spare wheel on the rear door. 'I wanted the back to be as plain and clean as possible for the benefit of those following. The family wants to see the coffin and the flowers, not a huge wheel cover,' says John.

The order for the hearse was placed in January this year and Foley began searching for a suitable ex-Rapier Missile tractor. 'They took their time to find the best donor vehicle,' says John. 'The one they found was absolutely spotless and had less than 15,000 miles on the clock, too.'

The vehicle has been transformed. Its cavernous rear pick-up tub and marquee-sized tilt, which extended over the cab area, have been removed. In their place sits what appears to be a 110 Station Wagon body. Look again, and you realise that this is a very special, and long, Land Rover.

 
The rear side windows take up the full height of the side panels and almost reach both ends, too. Under the new skin beats a very different heart.

The original V8 engine and gearbox was removed and has been replaced with a brand-new 300 Tdi engine and R380 gearbox. It's a retro-fit kit, which John prefers: 'I think the 300 Tdi is more reliable than the Td5.' Foley also stripped and refurbished the axles, replaced the entire brake system, as well as every single ball-joint. The interior is where the vehicle really shines, though.

The polished walnut and stainless steel deck are complemented by leather and cloth XS specification trim. Jacqui and John wanted the hearse to match her XS 110 Defender with good reason. 'We provide a Land Rover fleet service to any funeral director, anywhere in Europe,' explains Jacqui. 'The industry will usually only hire a hearse if it has a matching limousine, that's why the vehicles are identical. Even the tyres match.'
 

The need to match the 2003 XS Defender meant that the hearse has exactly the same lights and trim as well as the same body colour, Zambezi Silver. 'My father's funeral cortege was silver and this made a lasting impression on me,' says John. 'The colour also appeals to many different faiths.'

John felt it would be a good idea to be able to illuminate the rear deck, which stands out on dull and dark winter days. He asked Foley to fit lights in the alpine window recesses of the headlining. This meant that a pair of hard top roof panels had to be used rather than an extended 110 Station Wagon item.
 

This level of thought and care was matched by the quality of work that Foley produced. 'When we went down to see it being built, I was impressed by their passion for their work,' says John.

I've never driven a hearse before, so naturally I wanted to find out what it was like. Climbing behind the wheel feels just like any other Defender, except this one has some very comfortable leather and cloth seats and shiny aluminium Croytec bezels. The driver's door closes with a very non-Defender, coach-built clunk.

 
Turning the ignition key brings the sweet-sounding 300 Tdi to life. The Defender feels like a new vehicle with no rattles and not many miles on the tight engine. The extra length of the 130 goes unnoticed, until I negotiate a sharp right-hand junction. The standard turning-circle of a 110 could never be described as modest, so it's no surprise to find myself running out of space. But I could get the hang of it . . . with a little practice.

Now that the couple have this unusual hearse, are they planning any more variants to add to the convoy? 'I'm considering a 101,' says John. 'It could have the sides of the tilt rolled up, but with Perspex panels installed to protect the flowers. I would prefer a mint, gloss green 101, even down to the correct military markings.' And yes, he's being perfectly serious... SH

Alpha 4x4 Funerals Ltd, incorporating Alpha 4x4 Weddings

8 Dove Lane, Harrold, Bedfordshire, MK43 7DF

Phone: (01234) 720936 e-mail: info@4x4funerals.co.uk

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