The Boothill Express: A Piece of Automotive History and Custom Car Culture

The Boothill Express, a unique blend of vintage elegance and custom hot rod power, has earned its place as a true automotive legend. Born in the 1850s as a horse-drawn funeral hearse, it’s said to have once carried notorious outlaw Bob Younger, a member of the James–Younger Gang, to his final resting place. This historic relic could have simply faded into obscurity, but in the 1960s, visionary custom car builder Ray Fahrner from Kansas City saw something far more powerful—a chance to revive and reinvent this piece of history. What followed was the birth of the "Boothill Express" as we know it today—a gothic masterpiece of custom engineering and show-stopping design.

Celebrating Ray Fahrner’s Legacy and the One-of-a-Kind Revival of a Hearse Turned Hot Rod Legend.

Reviving a Legacy

Ray Fahrner was a revered figure in the world of custom cars, known for his remarkable ability to blend artistry with powerful automotive engineering. In transforming the Boothill Express, Fahrner didn’t just preserve its historical essence; he brought it to life in a bold new way. Drawing inspiration from the ornate craftsmanship of the original hearse, Fahrner combined it with the muscle of a modern hot rod, a daring move that blurred the lines between vintage and custom Big Daddy Roth Style.  The result was a powerful show car that became an icon within custom car culture as we know it.

Fahrner's craftsmanship turned the Boothill Express into a statement piece worthy to be taken on by RM Southeby's for auction.  A 426 Chrysler Hemi V8 engine paired with a Torqueflite automatic transmission powers this rolling creative masterpiece, offering a combination of fierce performance and visual gothic enchantment.  The original wooden chassis of the hearse was reinforced, transforming it into a lowered, aggressive vehicle built to command attention wherever it goes.  Every detail—from the hand-painted script, to the glossy black finish—was designed to evoke the gothic charm of the hearse’s past life, while its modern modifications made it a standout on the custom car circuit.

The velvet-lined interior, complete with brass accents, echoed the past, while custom elements like oversized tires and an advanced suspension system ensured it was now a fully functioning hot rod.

 After that, the Boothill Express became an instant hit, touring extensively across the United States and internationally.  Its unique look and blend of past and present made it an unforgettable spectacle for car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Recognising the vehicle's impact, model car companies such as Monogram and Revell produced scale models, enabling fans and builders to re-create the unforgettable details that made the Boothill Express such a remarkable piece of custom car culture.

Carrying Forward the Boothill Express Legacy

After Ray Fahrner’s passing in 2005, the Boothill Express continued to live on as a symbol of his ingenuity and vision. It’s not just a custom hot rod; it’s a testament to the possibilities of reinvention within ones own creative limits. In 2020, the Boothill Express was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s, where it attracted significant attention for its remarkable history and daring design, finding a buyer at the grand price of $88,000 USD. The hearse’s transformation from a 19th-century funeral coach to a custom showpiece proved that every car has the potential for a second life, reminding us that classic vehicles, when given the right vision, can become something entirely new and unforgettable.

Ray & Larry Farhner's 1850 Cunningham Funeral Coach:

• Original: 1850 horse-drawn funeral coach by Cunningham of New York.

• Engine: Powered by a Chrysler 426 Hemi V8 engine, a powerful choice for hot rods in the 1960s and 70s.

• Transmission: Connected to a Torqueflite automatic transmission, providing ease of handling for its show displays.

• Body and Frame: The hearse's original wooden coffin carriage sits atop a custom-fabricated chassis, which was reinforced to handle the power of the Hemi engine.

• Suspension and Wheels: The front uses a beam axle with leaf springs, while the rear suspension likely includes coil-over shocks for improved stability. Wheels are large custom rims suited for the striking look of a show rod.

• Interior and Detailing: The coffin-like interior features luxurious velvet upholstery, intricate wood detailing, and brass accents, all adding to its antique, gothic appeal.

Crafting an Icon: The Boothill Express as a Custom Show Rod

Despite the rumour mill calling Fahrmer a faker after the car won Nations #1 show car in 1967 as it was noted that pieces were missing off the original 392-c.i. Hemi. and the old Torqueflite Fahrmer’s attention to detail was unmatched.  With his team, he rebuilt the engine with a 426 hemi and a real Torqueflite, and a conventional "pumpkin-style" rearend, with additional wheely bars to match. The original coffin compartment of the hearse was updated and framed iwithin the modern design of a hot rod, creating a visual juxtaposition of history and muscle, ready to go down a 1/4 mile real fast.

Ray Fahrner’s influence on the Boothill Express remains significant, even today. The vehicle continues to be celebrated, not only for its bold design and powerful engine, but also for its embodiment of the creativity and individuality that define custom car culture around the world. While the world of hot rods is filled with many impressive statement pieces, the Boothill Express stands out as a testament to one man’s passion for reinvention and his ability to breathe new life into the past, bringing a horses power to horse power.

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