I found these pictures of a 1/18 scale model 1962 Fiat Multipla Hearse or ‘Carro Funebre’ online. I assume that it is a replica of an actual hearse made from a modified Multipla. I suppose a lot of Italians are quite small but I would have thought it would be quite a struggle to fit a full sized coffin in the back. I don’t think Mario would like the sombre paint work but he might appreciate the ‘bling’ trim! I have no idea how many were made or if any survive but If anybody out there has any information, please send ‘Mario’ a message.
UPDATE
Thanks to Mark who posted a link to an original Multipla Hearse for sale! This special body was made by Carrozzeria Fissone from Savigliano in Piedmont. The company operated between 1921 and 1976 and were involved in the production of the Multipla Beach cars but more of them in another post. The body appears to be extended beyond the back wheels to accommodate the length of the coffin but I guess it makes the access to the engine very difficult. The model for sale looks in really good condition and has only done 5132km. Mario loves the purple seats! It appears to have some of the funeral ‘bling’ included and has an audio system with a microphone. For sale by Vicini Pietro in Pavia for 17,000€, this seems a very reasonable price for something so unique especially as some Multiplas have fetched $40,000 in auction in the US. Would be great to own but obviously not very practical and Mario prefers his passengers as they are rather more animated…
Hope Vicini doesn’t mind but here’s a couple of pics of the model for sale
If you are interested here’s a link to the Italian sales site
However this version isn’t the same as the model and a bit more research found this 1962 ‘Allestita’ model which was for sale in 2009 with 19,700km and reported to be the only example in the world. At the moment I haven’t been able to find out any more information but here’s a couple of pictures.
Mario the Multipla 