Take a Look at 6 Presidential Cars That Are Part of American History

Nov 04, 2014 01:44 PM EST | Jordan Ecarma

Midterm Election Day is here and with it comes a chance to reflect on both our country's future and its past. Whether you're a Republican hoping for vital wins or a Democrat steeling for some potentially devastating losses, tonight will be a nail-biter as would-be lawmakers await the returns after the most expensive midterm campaign in history.

It's all about turnout at this point, so why not have some fun with cars in the meantime?

Here are six presidential vehicles that have made their place in history.  

1. Herbert Hoover's 1932 Cadillac

Much maligned by his opponents during a crucial time in American history, Hoover didn't exactly boost his popularity with his purchase of a 1932 Cadillac 452B V-16 Fleetwood Imperial. Hoover, who was elected shortly before the infamous Black Tuesday stock market crash of 1929, was mocked for buying a luxurious ride when many Americans were struggling to make ends meet. He was voted out of office soon after purchasing the expensive car.

2.  1939 Lincoln "Sunshine Special"

Serving both Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman during their respective stints as president, this limo boasted a V-12 engine and 160-inch wheelbase as well as "inch-thick windows, .50 caliber-resistant armor and self-sealing tire tubes," according to the New York Times.

3. Dwight D. Eisenhower's "bubble roof" 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan 

After Eisenhower objected to the car's convertible roof because people couldn't see him, the Lincoln that earlier served Truman was equipped with a clear "bubble roof" for a better view. The new roof entailed a "three-piece removable Plexiglas roof over the back seat for protection from the elements while still allowing onlookers to view its occupants at parades and functions," according to an RM Auctions listing for another presidential vehicle.

4. John F. Kennedy's 1961 Lincoln limousine

As it sits on display at the Henry Ford museum in Dearborn, Mich., this Lincoln Continental still inspires hushed respect as the vehicle that carried Kennedy to his assassination on Nov. 22, 1963.

The artifact marking a dark moment in American history has been substantially altered since that infamous ride: Its paint has been changed from midnight blue to black, its convertible roof has been replaced by a permanent one and its headlights operate as flashers. During its 16 years at the White House, the Lincoln served five of America's presidents despite its ties to tragedy.

5. Ronald Reagan's 1972 Lincoln Continental

The site of two assassination attempts, this limo protected both Presidents Gerald Ford and Reagan from bullets. Besides shielding Reagan from a would-be assassin on March 30, 1981, the 1972 Lincoln stands in history as the last presidential car to be preserved since the Secret Service now destroys such vehicles as part of security, according to the Henry Ford Museum.

6. President Obama's armored limo

Nicknamed "the Beast," President Obama's substantially armored limo boasts plating believed to be 8 inches thick and doors that are comparable to those on a Boeing 757 aircraft, Left Lane News reported.

The Beast isn't even a true Cadillac, holding a chassis, diesel engine and transmission based on those used in the Chevrolet Kodiak commercial vehicle.

Reportedly weighing 7.5 tons, the Beast is believed to hold a night vision system, communications equipment and even a blood bank with the president's blood type, NBC News reported last year.

See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?

© 2024 Auto World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Get the Most Popular Autoworld Stories in a Weekly Newsletter

Join the Conversation

Real Time Analytics