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The limousine, the ultimate luxury vehicle, is a specialized mobile statement of privilege and power. The presence of a limo can make an event more meaningful or a position more revered. The collection of presidential limousines at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI is an example of our nation’s specialty vehicle history, and the role these vehicles have played in our past from 1902 to 1981. There are 5 limos in the collection each with a fascinating story linked to great American names and incidents. By viewing these significant historical conveyances you also get a sense of progression in the automotive industry. Since the mid 1980’s all presidential cars and limos are destroyed by the Secret Service for security reason. Thus, this unique and historically worthy collection at the Henry Ford Museum cannot be enlarged.
Horse Drawn Power to Motor Power
Theodore Roosevelts’ horse drawn brougham (built in 1902) was used for all official occasions from the early 1900’s to 1928. However, President Roosevelt was infatuated with automobiles and was directly responsible for procuring the first government – owned automobile, a white Stanley Steamer. The horse drawn brougham on display at The Henry Ford Museum saw presidential service under the administrations of Taft and Wilson each using the conveyance until it was replaced by a Model A Ford. President Woodrow Wilson favored cars over horse powered carriages. He showed this preference by riding in a 1928 Cadillac during a WW I victory parade in Boston.
The last coachman for the horse drawn brougham was an African American Named Daniel Webster who served as White House coachman from 1913 -1928; and subsequently as chauffeur for the Model A Ford that finally replaced the brougham
The Gangster’s Car
Beginning a more than 50 year run of Lincoln’s as the “official” White House limousines Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Sunshine Special” a 1939 Lincoln V12 convertible was the first car specially built for presidential use. The Ford Motor Company leased the car to the office of the president for $500 a year. It remained in use chauffeuring him to countless public appearances until 1948. The limo was originally equipped with a siren, running lights, a 2-way radio, extra-wide running boards and grab handles for Secret Service agents. An interesting automotive tidbit is while waiting for the delivery of the specialized “Sunshine Special” the Secret Service became concerned about the safety of Roosevelt due to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Seeking a safe car for him was a challenge. A government impounded 1928 Cadillac 341A Town Sedan was discovered. This security rigorous car was bulletproof, had armor plating for doors, bullet proof tires, inch thick window and storage compartments for sub machine guns. Yes, its’ former owner was Chicago gangster, Al Capone.
 Franklin D. Roosevelts’ “Sunshine Special” widely used before and during World War II to chauffeur the President and Mrs. Roosevelt to countless public appearances
Four Presidents and a “Bubbletop”
The Dwight D. Eisenhower “Bubbletop” was the specially built Lincoln-Mercury convertible sedan to be the official car for four US Presidents. The vehicle was ordered in the Truman administration and built in 1950, and then Eisenhower, who was known for being fond of automobiles, had the plastic bubble top fitted over rear section of the vehicle. This invention was sheer genius at the time. It protected the president, could be used in bad weather, and gave a total view of the president. This invention inspired future presidential limos, the Popemobile and other celebrity vehicles. Presidents Kennedy and Johnson also used the car as a spare until its’ retirement in 1963.
 Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “Bubbletop” 1950 Lincoln Mercury Presidential Limousine.
Eisenhower an automotive aficionado made the executive decision to create the “bubble top”
The Tragedy Machine
No vehicle gets more attention or reverence at The Henry Ford Museum than President John F. Kennedy’s limousine, in which he was assassinated. I have seen people remove their hat placing it over their heart; bow heads in respect, and maintain a moment of silence among the gyrations of a busy museum. The 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible, which also came with a Plexiglas bubble top, was not used on November 22, 1963 in Dallas due to Kennedy’s directive. The vehicle was custom built by Hess and Eisenhart of Cincinnati, and was known as the SS-100-X. The car was retrofitted with armor plating, a permanent sedan roof, a new interior, improved air-conditioning system, electronic communications equipment, and bulletproof glass When the Henry Ford took possession there was a new paint treatment and cosmetic alterations to remove damage incurred during the assassination.
 1961 state car, a Lincoln Continental, Kennedy’s Presidential Limousine was used when he
was assassinated in Dallas, TX on November 22, 1963
The Last Preserved Presidential Limo
On March 30, 1981 Ronald Reagan took refuge in this 1972 Lincoln Continental escaping a fatal wound from assassin John Hinkley’s gunfire. Going into service under President Nixon it is also the vehicle President Ford was riding when an attempt was made on his life. Jimmy Carter used the limo fortunately without incident. The car stretches 22 feet, outfitted with armor plating, bullet resistant glass and powered by a 460 cubic inch (7.5 liter) V8 engine mated with a C-6-3 speed automatic transmission. It was altered several times during its’ history, including a replacement of the front end piece updating to a 1978 grill. This is the last presidential Limousine to be preserved now all are destroyed for security reasons.
The 1972 Lincoln Continental was refurbished and updated several times during its’ presidential service history
All the vehicles mentioned in this article can be seen at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI.
Margery Krevsky is the author of, Sirens of Chrome: The Enduring Allure of Auto show Models, published by Momentum Books
Available on Amazon.com / www.sirensofchrome.com
For more information on other auto heritage sites, visit www.motorcities.org
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