Memorable Machines: The machines behind the famous Forest Lawn-Glendale Memorial Park

Classic coaches including a 1959 Cadillac S&S Park Row Superline, 1967 Cadillac S&S Victoria Deluxe Model, 1950 Cadillac Meteor Landau, 1965 Cadillac “Silver Spirit,” and 1963 Cadillac Superior Crown Sovereign Royale. The coaches are parked in front of Forest Lawn-Glendale’s Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection courtesy of Forest Lawn

Nestled in the buildings adjacent to the oldest part of Los Angeles’ Forest Lawn-Glendale — so historic they have the above-ground gravestones largely eschewed by the memorial park — lies the Automotive and Mechanical Maintenance Department, the hub that keeps Forest Lawn’s fleet in motion. There’s much to uncover in Forest Lawn’s maintenance department. From classic and contemporary hearses to custom-made vehicles designed to perform park-specific duties, each vehicle and machine underscores the vital role this department plays in the life of the memorial park.

Forest Lawn-Glendale’s machinery fleet includes these classic funeral coaches: a 1950 Cadillac Meteor Landau and a 1965 Cadillac Superior “Silver Spirit.” courtesy of Forest Lawn

Some of the most recognizable stars of the collection are the hearses, which have become must-sees at Forest Lawn’s annual Classic Cars & Coffee event. Highlights of the classic car collection include a 1950 Cadillac Meteor and a 1965 Cadillac Superior “Silver Spirit,” both with the signature “FLMP 50” and “FLMP” license plates, respectively. The 1965 Superior has a 429-cid V-8 with 340 hp, while the elder Meteor has a 331-cid V-8 with horsepower rated at 160. The Meteor features the sought-after Cadillac wheel covers fashioned like “sombreros” with crest badges, tailfins that resemble a P-38 World War II war plane and the first year of the one-piece windshield. It was known as a “solid gold Cadillac” due to the popular recurring body-style, new frame design and powerful engine that marked revolutionary changes. In 1950, it had a reputation as “the best Cadillac with the performance to match the looks,” and was rated as the “fastest stock car in the USA,” and “fastest accelerating production car in the world.” Beyond classic coaches, Forest Lawn’s modern models range from Cadillac to Armbruster to Phoenix models, ensuring tradition and innovation ride side-by-side.

Juan Henriquez works as a fabricator in Forest Lawn’s Automotive and Mechanical Maintenance Department. courtesy of Forest Lawn

With thousands of acres of lawn to mow and water daily, Forest Lawn has a number of John Deere and other mowers and irrigation trucks. It also has large machines distinct to a memorial park. In addition to casket loaders, casket lowering devices and dirt haulers, there are custom-made machines, such as a flatbed built in the 1950s with GMC differentials, Wisconsin engines, straight GMC steering axles and prewar airplane floatation tires — which were upgraded in 1990.

In addition, most everything throughout Forest Lawn is custom-made within the park. Currently, the Automotive and Mechanical Maintenance Department is replacing wrought iron railings with stainless-steel handrails crafted on the department’s own lathes, mills and fabrication machinery. Smaller machines include drill presses, band saws and welding stations, as well as precision lasers that engrave numbers into plot markers and urn labels. Recently, the carpentry team worked with artist duo DABSMYLA to fabricate their Cosmic Flower art instillation for Forest Lawn Museum’s “In Bloom: Flowers in Contemporary Art” exhibition, which closed on Feb. 15, 2026.

Custom-built flatbed uses components of a 1950 GMC truck. courtesy of Forest Lawn

“Our work is unique, so the tools and machines we use are unique,” said Ricardo Rojas, Forest Lawn-Glendale’s Automotive Mechanical & Transportation Supervisor, Glendale Maintenance. “Whether it’s an eye-catching 1950 Cadillac hearse or a custom-built hauler, we know our machines will ultimately help make the grieving process for a family run a little smoother, and we work every day to make sure that is possible.”

From the micro to the macro, Forest Lawn refurbishes and sources machines tailored to the unique needs of the memorial park and the families it serves. Indeed, the Forest Lawn Credo displayed in the department reminds, “Caring service is our reason for being.” The dedicated maintenance workers and seasoned mechanics ensure that every part of the park can function seamlessly as they support other departments with equipment that can haul dirt, transport heavy caskets, mow lawns and irrigate gardens. Together, their work keeps the grounds looking pristine, always with the intention of serving the families who trust Forest Lawn with their loved ones.

A 1950 Meteor Cadillac funeral coach would have had a starting price of $6,417. courtesy of Forest Lawn

The “flying goddess” hood ornament appeared on all 1950 Cadillacs. courtesy of Forest Lawn

A close-up view of the 1965 Cadillac Superior. courtesy of Forest Lawn

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