A historic British funeral vehicle manufacturer with nearly eight decades of family-run operations has entered administration, signaling challenges for specialist coachbuilders in the UK.

Company Background

Eagle Specialist Vehicles Limited, operating as Wilcox Limousines, traces its roots to 1948. Based in Hindley Green near Wigan, the firm specializes in crafting bespoke hearses and limousines for funeral directors nationwide. Known for high-end, custom-tailored ceremonial vehicles, the business prides itself on craftsmanship, care, and a commitment to quality rooted in its post-war origins.

Administration Details

Administrators Alexander Kinninmonth and James Prior from FRP Advisory Trading Limited took control on March 13, 2026, following a notice filed at the High Court of Justice and published in The London Gazette. The company’s registered office now shifts to Southampton to facilitate the process.

Company materials underscore the Wilcox family’s deep ties to their heritage, noting how their 1948 beginnings continue to drive innovation and excellence in ceremonial vehicle design.

Impact and Next Steps

Details on the insolvency’s causes or affected jobs remain unavailable. This development highlights pressures on small, family-owned manufacturers amid rising costs and economic headwinds.

Administrators are evaluating the financial position and considering options like a sale or restructuring. Contact them through FRP Advisory’s Southampton office for updates. Wilcox Limousines has yet to provide further comment.