Why do all hearses have landau bars?

The original vehicle to convey the casket to the cemetery was a horse drawn carriage, or “coach” (which is why hearses are also commonly called “funeral coaches”). The side windows, landau bars and lights were both functional and decorative elements designed to draw attention to the social event known as death.

What are the bars on a hearse called?

Those diagonal irons on the rear quarter panel of hearses are called “landau bars.” They are purely decorative today, but they once served a purpose and are now in place as a nod to history.

Why is it called a Landau roof?

In the 1920’s, U.S. automakers began producing fixed-roof cars with simulated convertible tops that featured side landau bars to give them that elegant, old-world look. The models were named “landaus” in honor of those bars.

Why are hearses shaped like that?

It was provided with numerous spikes to hold burning candles, and, owing to the resemblance of these spikes to the teeth of a harrow, was called a hearse. Later on, the word was applied, not only to the construction above the coffin, but to any receptacle in which the coffin was placed.

Can you remove a landau top?

On most vehicles with a landau top, the top vinyl layer can be replaced by removing the molding and clips that hold it in place. You’ll want to save the molding and clips, so you can reuse them on your new top. If you happen to break or loose one, you can easily purchase them to replace.

How many coffins does a hearse carry?

There is also a common misconception that more than one body is cremated at time; this is also untrue. Each cremator is only large enough to accommodate one coffin at any one time.

What’s the symbol on a hearse?

A landau bar is an ornamental S-shaped metallic bar installed on the rear quarter panel of a car. Mostly used on hearses, the landau bar represents the folding roof structure on a Landau carriage. Since the mid-1940s, landau bars have been commonly used on hearses in the United States and the Philippines.

What do you call a fake convertible top?

Every so often, you’re driving down the road, and you see one: a landau roof. Essentially, it’s a fixed roof that’s been covered with vinyl or cloth instead of normal metal and paint, in an effort to make the car look like a convertible.

What is a landau top?

Essentially, it’s a fixed roof that’s been covered with vinyl or cloth instead of normal metal and paint, in an effort to make the car look like a convertible. Originally installed on horse-drawn carriages, the landau roof carried over to early automobiles as an actual, fully opening convertible top.

Why do they put landau bars on hearses?

Over the years the landau bars became so ingrained in the public’s mind as a symbol of a funeral car that most hearse manufacturers still tack them onto their limousines as a matter of tradition. Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Are there any landau bars that are removable?

Landau bars have been commonly used to decorate hearses and funeral vehicles for over 80 years. At G. Burns, we take pride in creating one of the more elegant and durable landau bars available on the market. We feature four sizes of removable landau bars made from 18 gauge stainless steel.

Why are there diagonal irons on the rear of a hearse?

Those diagonal irons on the rear quarter panel of hearses are called “landau bars.” They are purely decorative today, but they once served a purpose and are now in place as a nod to history. The landau carriage was invented in Germany in the mid-18 th century.

What kind of steel is a landau bar made of?

We feature four sizes of removable landau bars made from 18 gauge stainless steel. This material is durable and sturdy, while also providing a sophisticated appearance. The variety of sizes will fit nearly any application.