A unique gold Japanese Buddhist hearse is cruising the streets of Tauranga ahead of the Wheels on Mainstreet car show this weekend.

The 1986 modified Lincoln Continental is the only car like it in New Zealand and owner Bruce Choat says he couldn't resist purchasing it when he spotted the classic on TradeMe.

SPOTTED: The gold Buddhist Shinto hearse is in Tauranga for the Wheels on Mainstreet Show.

'I have always had classic cars. I spotted it and thought it was really unique.

'This is the first time we have used the car.”

The American town car was modified in Japan to be used as a Buddhist Shinto hearse in royal family members' and government official's funerals.

'It was imported to Japan and they cut it down from a car to a ute and put this temple on the back.

'It is a hearse used for presidents' burials.”

Bruce, who lives in Matamata, purchased the hearse from a Christchurch seller on TradeMe.

He drove it up from the South Island recently and says the going was tough at times as the modified temple on the back weighs about 1.5 tonnes.

'We drove it up here. I have only had it a week and half.

'It is a bit of a mission to drive. In the wind it is very heavy, driving through Wellington it was wallowing everywhere – its good fun though.”

The left hand-drive American classic features a 5litre fuel injected V8 engine.

'It's all complied and registered, it has been a bit of a mission as it is so unique but we got there.”

Bruce is hoping to use the car to raise money for charities across New Zealand, especially the Starship Hospital - a cause close to his heart.

'I have had a grandson in hospital and my niece's son is in Starship with cancer.”

The Lincoln will be at the Wheels on Mainstreet in downtown Mount Maunganui on Saturday raising money for prostate cancer.

Coordinated by Mount Mainstreet and the National Street Rod Association, the show will feature more than 150 classic cars and hot rods, as well as bikes and show cars.

In addition to the iconic hearse, the main street will be filled with classics ranging from 1919 Ford T Buckets, Chev's, Corvettes, Buicks, Thunderbirds and a 2012 Mustang.

Prince Avenue will be transformed into Bike Alley where motorbike enthusiasts can get a look at a range of Harleys and Triumphs.

A Free Park ‘n Ride is on offer from Bethlehem Coachlines from the Mount Sports Centre on the corner of Maunganui and Hull Rd to Rata Street, or people can catch Bay Hopper buses 1, 2, or 30.

There will be something to do for the whole family all day, with the Al Dawson Band, face painting and ‘fair food' for children.