HISTORY
Humber 1935
The Classic Hearse Register (CHR) was first started back in 1993 by Dave Salmon, the main aim being to collect and record as much information about pre-’80 classic hearses that still survived, both roadworthy or sitting in fields/barns and sadly banger raced. Finally thanks to a group of hearse enthusiasts eager to promote classic hearses to the public and classic car scene, the club rapidly grew in size and a quarterly newsletter arrived a year later and membership continued to grow. Many rare and unusual hearses then came to light, adding to Dave’s huge literature collection. Dave himself has several hearses being restored including a 1935 Humber.
Austin Westminster lowline
In 1997 due to other commitments Dave passed the club to Paul Harris who had several Princess Hearses & Ambulances at the time. Pictured is his A/110 Westminster.
Running a club takes a lot of time and in 2000 it passed on to Mark Josey who had had several hearses including the two tone Granada shown here. It was during this time, the club launched it’s original Website.
Granada Mk 2
Finally, in 2003 I took over, the first female secretary and as of 2007 the longest running secretary too!; I was subsequently joined by my partner Dean Reader (we met via the club) and between us we own 6 funeral vehicles
The club continues to grow with members worldwide and we also accept funeral limousines, first call/service cars, flower cars and American based ambulances too. There is now NO age limit on vehicles so whether horsedrawn, vintage, classic or modern, standard or modified, all are welcome. We attend many classic car shows, cemetery open days and Halloween events, in fact anything that a hearse or limousine is required for.
Sandra