While the show was only on the air for two seasons, “The Munsters,” based on well-known horror archetypes, still has a massive following today. The cult classic depicted the ordinary home life of harmless monsters all in good clean fun.
Featured in countless episodes of the American sitcom
, Herman and Lily’s beloved Munster Koach and Grandpa’s Drag-U-La won our black hearts. Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, checks out these haunted vehicles that make death fun again. The wicked Munster Koach
If you’re into car collecting
, the name George Barris should ring a bell. Known for his big Hollywood studio projects, Barris Kustoms created legends like the Batmobile
, the Beverly Hillbillies' jalopy and the 1964 Ford Munster Koach. In a span of three weeks, Barris designed the vehicle and Dick and Keith Dean built it. Three Ford Model Ts and one hearse were used to build the car’s iconic 18-foot-long open-air body.
And with a 289-cubic-inch Ford Cobra V8 engine, the eerie vehicle cranks out 425 hp backed by a four-speed transmission that transmits power to the rear axle. It’s also got a second gear and hydraulic brakes. The hand-crafted car received over 500 hours of metal scrollwork before it was camera ready.
The Munster Koach packs tons of power, and you can hear it coming from a mile away. According to Motorious
, “For extra flair, the builders used Jahns high-compression pistons, an Isky camshaft, 10 chromed Carter carburetors, and Bobby Barr race headers.” The interior featured blood-red velvet upholstery and Barris made the spider-web headlamps and casket handles from scratch. The steel fenders and brass radiator were also made by hand.
Behind Herman’s front seats, was a cushioned bench called “Grandpa’s lap,” where he experimented with brews and concoctions. The last row was known as the family’s living room, complete with a black dial phone and the ability to play any sinister 8-track tape of your choosing. And of course, rising above the rest was little Eddie’s perch.
With fancy gold drapes, tassels and windows covered in white spider webs, the Koach was ready to hit up any funeral in style.
The Drag-U-La Coffin Dragster
Grandpa’s Ford Drag-U-La was also designed by Barris and built by Dick and Keith Dean. The Dragster first debuted in a 1965 “The Munster”s episode titled “Hot Rod Herman.”
According to Volo Cars
, “Drag-U-La was put together by Grandpa Munster to be entered into a race to win back the Munster Koach, which Herman had lost in a race.” Made from an original mold, the fiberglass rolling coffin sports a 350 hp 289 V8 engine. Five authentic models were made, one for TV use and the others for promotional purposes. The striking gold exterior is supported by Ridar alloy wheels, Radir Dragster rear slicks, and Duro front bicycle tires.
The pipe organ exhaust pipes and lantern headlights compliment the Dragster’s macabre undertone and ‘60s vibe. We also love the clear canopy over the cockpit and the large dual intake snorkel centered on top of the engine. The customized interior features a web-like purple-periwinkle upholstery and arachnid styled seat.
Interestingly, “the body was built from a coffin that Barris’ project engineer, Richard ‘Korky’ Korkes, bought from a funeral home in North Hollywood, California,” Mecum Auctions
tells us. But since it was illegal to purchase a coffin in California without a death certificate, Korky allegedly gave the funeral director some cash to leave the coffin outside the backdoor at night. Spooky. These deathly autos aren’t ready to R.I.P.
Fortunately, it’s still possible to see both the Munster Koach and the Drag-U-La Coffin Dragster in person. While you can’t ride them through a cemetery, they are on display for the public at the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois. And since there’s been a few imposters, these bespoked vehicles each feature a Letter of Authenticity and a Certificate of Authenticity from Barris Kustoms.
One of the other Drag-U-La models was actually built to be a giveaway car, and was auctioned off at a casino in Florida on Halloween. How fitting.
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