Manhattan has an alluring Gothic charm. With almost 19 million people in the NYC metropolitan area, it is tough to make anything stand out. One of the thousands of services making NYC unique is Dead Apple Tours. Owner Drew Raphael (NHAA member Otto Parts) conceived of offering a tour unlike any other already in place - "The living history of New York's deceased."

Now, think for a moment, how appealing this is. Obscure, rich, in-depth trivia. Fascinating content. Bringing it all together is Desdemona - a '60 Superior Crown Royale limo style combination! Externally "Mona" looks fairly stock as changes were kept mainly to the interior. (As an aside, original eschewed parts went to other procar collectors.) What a sweet ride she is too, complete with seating for 7 (besides driver), additional rear air conditioning, and drop down video screens. Some members may recall Mona being advertised here a few years ago, before Drew's plan was engaged.



If nothing else, Dead Apple Tours provides one of the *best* ways to view the city. Crisscrossing 25 stops in Midtown, this 3rd generation Manhattanite speaks crisply and more articulately than one may expect from a 'typical New Yorker'.

Enough information is provided for tourers to feel as if they could have been present when any particular tragedy struck. So many famous people have passed through the Chelsea Hotel... Venture a guess why this landmark is on the tour?



Manhattan had the foresight to ban cemeteries in 1830, realizing that land would be precious. Bet you didn't know that only markers were removed (and not bodies). One popular small-ish park has more than 10,000 people still buried right beneath the feet of thousands of daily users. Ever wonder where the term "jonesing" came from? Ever heard of a library having a diving team before?

All of this and more is creatively mixed into Drew's witty repertoire. His inviting, interactive charm mixes a smidgen of comedy to keep content from being overly morbid.



Driving in Manhattan is not for the faint of heart. The 90-120 minute tour (traffic dependent) fluidly glided knifing through without even so much as a close call. Drew's uber-awareness of Mona's heavenly curves allowed it.

Drew believes he is New York's most photographed man. Who is to argue? At least 150 shutterbugs clicked away during our tour, which Drew assures is typical. Every time. Response to Mona on the street was overwhelming in a city where oddities nary raise an eye.

An Uptown tour is currently being researched and written (along with a professional comedy writer) that will encompass 21 stops. Soft release is planned for next week with a full schedule slated shortly thereafter. Safe to say that it won't disappoint - and reason enough for me to return and take another tour. Mona may initially handle double duty, supplemented with a funeral home limo, although Drew has his eye open to add another limo-style coach ('67-'68 Superior).



At no time did Dead Apple Tours ever come across as glorifying death. Many quirky antidotes left customers shaking their heads in disbelief. A tip of the hat to Drew, his vision, having fun while executing his business plan, and filling a self-created niche. If you find yourself in the area, an evening date awaits with someone that actually gives back. Don't expect to ride in Mona if you aren't comfortable basking in the limelight though.

Oh and Mona is available for weddings.