GM Worker Displays Disturbing 1981 Cadillac Hearse at Flint's Back to the Bricks

A Unique Presence at Back to the Bricks

For over two decades, the Back to the Bricks event has drawn hundreds of vehicles to downtown Flint, creating a vibrant celebration of automotive history. Among the many classic cars showcased, one stands out for its unusual and intriguing design: a black 1981 Cadillac Brougham hearse owned by Harli Momier, a lifelong Flint resident.

Momier brought her hearse to the Back to the Bricks Main Event 2025 on Saturday, August 16. “It’s an old funeral car,” she said. “I’ve always liked old cars.” Her passion for vintage vehicles has kept her involved in the event for about 20 years. During the week of the Main Event, she takes time off from work and also participates in tune-up events.

The hearse is one of two vehicles in her collection. She purchased it from a previous owner in Rochester Hills after finding it on Facebook. The car originally came from North Carolina. Since acquiring it, Momier has not made any major modifications, aside from decorating it.

Her love for Halloween and the macabre is evident both inside and outside the vehicle. “I’ve just always liked Halloween,” she explained. “A lot of people love it. Sometimes they’re creeped out, but they still like it.” Momier frequently uses her hearse for Halloween events, including haunted houses and Witches Night Out in Ortonville, wherever there’s an opportunity to showcase her spooky style.

Inside the hearse, a collection of dolls and horror-themed décor creates a spooky atmosphere. A ventriloquist dummy sits in the front seat, and a coffin that came with the car when she bought it adds to the eerie ambiance. “I like all my little dolls in here,” Momier said. “They’re my little friends. I like the creepy stuff.”

Her vehicle often draws attention on and off the road. People give her high-fives, thumbs up, and express their admiration for the car. “A lot of the reactions that I get with the car are positive,” she said. “It goes over well at Halloween, trunk or treats, and stuff, passing out candy to the kids and stuff.”

In addition to Back to the Bricks, Momier has participated in other car shows such as Chrome and Ice and Dust Them Off. “We usually try to get together and get everybody out there and just give a positive reinforcement to the fact that we own these kinds of cars,” she said.

She also regularly attends the club’s annual HearseFest in Fowlerville, which featured more than 180 hearses and several ambulances last year. The event is held in September. “It’s just a big car show, but it’s all hearses,” Momier said.

Momier works for General Motors and is aware of the significance of the automotive industry and car culture in the community. “I feel that the car history is a big part of Flint,” she said. “A lot of people have worked at the shop, or their family members have worked at the shop, so they like the old cars, they built one or their grandpa had one.”