History of the Kennedy Limousine
KennedyMovieThumbnail_FINAL / History of the Kennedy Limousine
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Artifact Overview
Arguably, no presidential limousine is as widely recognized as the 1961 Lincoln Continental in which John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. When originally constructed, the car had no armor. After the tragedy, it was thoroughly rebuilt with titanium plating, bullet-resistant glass, and a more powerful engine to handle the added weight. This film tells the limo's remarkable story.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Film clip
Date Made
2013
Creators
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
EI.386.31
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
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Related Artifacts
Artifact1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Used by John F. Kennedy
President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in this car on November 22, 1963. The midnight blue, un-armored convertible was rebuilt with a permanent roof, titanium armor plating, and more somber black paint. The limousine returned to the White House and remained in service until 1977. The modified car shows the fundamental ways in which presidential security changed after Kennedy's death.
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Related Content
Set
JFK Remembered: X-100 Under Construction
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As originally built, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine had three different roof options. A removable steel section provided privacy, clear plastic sections provided weather protection, and a completely open top gave the president maximum visibility. The plastic panels fit neatly into the trunk and were available whenever needed. None of the removable tops was armored.
Set
JFK Remembered: X-100 After Kennedy Administration
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Around 1960, the United States Secret Service began using one of Lockheed's versatile C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to carry presidential vehicles. This was faster and more direct than shipping state cars ahead of the President via railcar or boat -- though loading lengthy automobiles into the plane's cargo compartment was a persistent challenge.
Set
JFK Remembered: The Quick Fix
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After President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963, a panel of experts from the Secret Service, the Army Materials Research Center, Hess & Eisenhardt and Pittsburgh Plate Glass met to discuss a new presidential limousine. Because of the pressing need for presidential transportation, the panel recommended that the 1961 Lincoln Continental limousine be rebuilt as an armored car.
Set
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The public was enchanted by photographs and inside stories of the Kennedy family. The cover story in this Look magazine featured "An exclusive visit with our new first family." Photographs of young President John F. Kennedy with his attractive family fostered a sense of intimacy between the Kennedys and the American public--and, of course, sold magazines.
Set
JFK Remembered: X100 During Kennedy Administration
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Foreign policy was an outstanding aspect of John F. Kennedy's Cold War administration. Amid global political and military tensions, the president hosted many foreign leaders. This photograph, taken just six weeks before Kennedy was assassinated, shows a parade for Ethiopian emperor Hail Selassie I. The two statesmen met in October 1963 to discuss their nations' relationship and mutual concerns.