President Kennedy in a 1961 Lincoln Continental Limousine, Touring Army Base, circa 1962

THF208730 / President Kennedy in a 1961 Lincoln Continental Limousine, Touring Army Base, circa 1962
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Artifact Overview

President John F. Kennedy tours a military base in the custom-built 1961 presidential Lincoln Continental. Kennedy was assassinated while riding in this un-armored, open convertible in November 1963. Following his assassination, the limousine was radically modified with a permanent roof, bullet-proof glass, and armor-plating. It remained part of the White House fleet until early 1977.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

circa 1962

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

2011.241.14.39

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Edward L. Gies in Memory of Morgan L. Gies.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Chromogenic processes

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 7.938 in
Width: 9.938 in

Inscriptions

Type-written caption affixed to back: President Kennedy in the 1961 Lincoln, touring an army base.
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    1961 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.