Binz plays fifth gear ace
Just whether the CLS version of the award winning Binz hearse makes it into the photo gallery at London’s world famous Ace Café remains to be seen. However, the CLS hearse has not only been filmed at the lightly disguised Ace Café, but has now also appeared on Channel Five’s cult motoring show, Fifth Gear.The programme's spotlight on funeral vehicles included the Binz CLS extended chassis Mercedes-Benz E-Class based hearse, and was filmed in late August for inclusion in the Channel Five’s ratings winning motoring show. Also involved were Motorcycle Funerals and Alpha 4X4.
The setting at the Ace Café brings together two classics – the sleek, stylish, futuristic iF Award winning Binz and the now iconic Ace Café known throughout the world by rock and roll enthusiasts, motorcyclists and hot rodders as “the” place to meet.
Starring alongside presenters Vicki Butler-Henderson, Tom Ford and Johnny Smith, the hearse was filmed by one of the best motoring film crews in the business to highlight the exquisite lines and details that have made the Binz the market leader in the funeral sector. The same lines and the dignity and presence they create that have made Binz the marque of choice for TV producers, government departments and individuals alike.
Kevin Smith, sales director at Binz notes that, "The team were well briefed about the car, the relationship with DaimlerChrysler and the history behind the company. We spoke about how the Binz manufacturing process yields an all-new vehicle and not one converted from an existing saloon. Tom was very interested to hear that the hearse body is made from GFK – a carbon reinforced plastic - and straight away linked it to the new BMW M3 roof which is made of the same material."
So while the idea of choosing to feature a hearse at The Ace Café might seem a little incongruous the styles work well together: the 1949 building designed on the basis of function leading form, acting as utilitarian counterpoint to the contemporary elegance of the Binz's coachwork.
