The Hearse

Leading funeral directors William Purves envisioned a Land Rover that could meet the demands of any operational hearse. Collaborating with independent Land Rover specialists, Engine 710, the team started with a Defender 110 donor vehicle. Using original and specialist upgraded Land Rover parts, they created a 5-door 130 Defender station wagon to meet the exacting requirements of a premium funeral hearse.

From defender to hearse

Funeral specification for Land Rover Defender.

Extended door opening, customised low deck and panoramic glass roof.

Optimill hinges

Minimise rust and improve vehicle longevity

Top of range spec

Air con, electric windows, LED lights

The defender timeline

Initial registration in Tonbridge, Kent

Autumn 2012

Purchased by second owner and Defender registers 10,000 miles

Spring 2016

Defender moves to France, registered locally, and used to transfer guests from a luxury chalet to ski-slopes

Summer 2018

Defender returns to the UK and is reregistered with DVLA

Winter 2021

Purchased by Edinburgh based William Purves Funeral Directors as donor vehicle for refurbishment – chosen for mileage, age, spec and body style

Spring 2022

William Purves commission Engine 710 to convert into premium funeral hearse based on exacting brief and requirements

Spring 2022

Engine 710 show the almost-complete vehicle at Scone Game Fair receiving strong positive local reaction

Summer 2023

DVLA registration and handover to William Purves Funeral Directors

Spring 2024

William Purves carries out the first funeral service in the Scottish Borders then Edinburgh, Northumberland, Aberdeenshire, East Lothian and Tayside

Spring 2024