1968 MM Cadillac Hearse

“The Bat”

This 1968 Cadillac MM Hearse, with its striking design and eerie aesthetics, has captured the attention of automotive enthusiasts and enthusiasts of all things gothic.

The Name and its Meaning

“The Bat” owes its intriguing moniker to none other than John Ehmer from Hearsemania. This name is fitting, considering the hearse’s unmistakable resemblance to a creature of the night.

Inspiration and Transformation

Greg Fields’ fascination with cool hearses and hot rods led to the creation of “The Bat.” He drew inspiration from iconic vehicles like George Barris’ Gargoyle and the Munster cars, resulting in a truly unique and awe-inspiring custom ride. It took Greg a year to prepare “The Bat” for its first show, and he’s been honing his skills in car building for three years now.

Club Affiliations

“The Bat” is proudly associated with the Cemetery Knights out of Charleston, WV, a club that shares Greg’s passion for unique and intriguing custom vehicles.

Future Plans

Greg has ambitious plans for “The Bat.” He intends to finish the interior and implement a CO2 purge system on the front fenders, with dreams of showcasing his creation at the prestigious SEMA show.

Vehicle History

Before it became Greg’s pride and joy, “The Bat” resided in Bakersfield, California, with its history remaining a mystery to Greg.

Special Thanks

Greg Fields extends his heartfelt thanks to Robert Sizemore, Terry Loftis, Kayla Brown, and Sherry Fields for their contributions to “The Bat.”

Engine

“The Bat” is powered by a 1969 Cadillac V8 engine with a displacement of 500 cubic inches. It packs a punch with an 8-71 BDS supercharger, cam, springs, and pipe organ exhaust without baffles. The engine’s polished appearance adds a touch of elegance to the hearse.

Driveline

A 2400-stall 4L80E transmission with a torque converter and a 9-inch Ford rear axle with four-wheel disc brakes and hydro boost provide the hearse with the power and stopping capability it needs. The gear ratio is 3.73 posi.

Chassis

“The Bat” features a custom-built chassis constructed from 3x5x1/4 square box steel with unique 3-inch speed holes. The frame was also modified with 3-inch speed holes, enhancing its distinctive appearance.

Wheels and Tires

The wheels on “The Bat” are Draglite polished aluminum, with 7×15-inch fronts and 14×15-inch rears. These wheels are wrapped in 215/75/15 front tires and massive 31×18.50×15 rear tires, completing the hearse’s menacing stance.

Paint and Body

This custom hearse is in black, with a finish achieved through Raptor bedliner paint. The body underwent significant modifications, including a 12-inch front and 2-inch rear chop, the forward movement of the top by 8 inches, an 8-inch drop of the rear door, and a 24-inch offset from the center of the firewall, pie-cut to the rear bumper and welded together for a streamlined appearance. The hood was cut down by 30 inches and welded to the steering link for wheel movement synchronization. Both bumpers were modified, and additional fins were added, extending the upper fins and adding lower ones. The result is a hearse that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Interior

Inside “The Bat,” the atmosphere is dark and dramatic. The dashboard is made of smoked plexiglass, with digital gauges underneath. The steering wheel, console, and head unit all contribute to the hearse’s unique interior. A lighted coffin adds to the eerie ambiance, while the stereo system provides the perfect soundtrack for a night drive. The coffin-inspired seats are upholstered in black and purple, creating a visually striking interior.

Conclusion

“The Bat” is a testament to Greg Fields’ creativity and dedication to the world of custom vehicles. With its gothic-inspired design, powerful engine, and meticulous attention to detail, this 1968 Cadillac MM Hearse is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who encounters it. As it continues to evolve, we eagerly await the next chapter in the story of “The Bat.”

Photos by: Nick Means