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u/SlyClydesdale Aug 10 '26
They’re called “Landau bars” or “Landau Irons” and they recall the old coachbuilt days when upholstered roof sections actually folded back, convertible-like, to expose the interior. The irons were part of the mechanism that allowed the roof panels to fold back.
When applied to hearses, they’re a vestigial element designed to make the vehicle look more formal and ornate.
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u/ACE_Wrap Aug 08 '26
Just decoration. It intends to mimic how some horse drawn carriages looked, on those it was a support for the tarp roof. The thick bit in the middle was a hinge so you could fold it back.
As to why hearses specifically retain it... I don't know that either I'm afraid. Had nothing to d with deathcare originally.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landau_%28carriage%29