1939 Lincoln Presidential Automobile "Sunshine Special" aboard Military Transport Ship, September 1947
THF208816 / 1939 Lincoln Presidential Automobile "Sunshine Special" aboard Military Transport Ship, September 1947
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Artifact Overview
When the President travels abroad, United States Secret Service agents ensure that state cars arrive ahead of him. This military transport ship carried the "Sunshine Special" limousine overseas for one of President Harry S. Truman's international visits in 1947. Around 1960, the Secret Service began using transport aircraft to carry presidential vehicles.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Photographic print
Subject Date
22 September 1947
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
2011.241.14.81
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Edward L. Gies in Memory of Morgan L. Gies.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 8.125 in
Width: 9.938 in
Inscriptions
Typed caption affixed to back:
September 22, 1947 - Picture taken at U.S. Naval Air Station,Norfolk, Virginia, Pier 4, unloading the 1939 Lincoln (Sunshine Special) out o the hole of a KA-95.
Stamped on back:
Public Information Office
Fifth Naval District
Released Official Navy Photograph
If published
Credit line must read
"Official U.S. Navy Photograph"
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH
Not to be used for Publication (crossed out, red pencil)
U.S. Naval Air Station, Norfolk 11, Va.
NAS (L) 1294 Date 9-22-47
Subject Presidential auto being hoisted out of hold of KA-95
Peir [sic] 4 N.O.B. Norfolk
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Related Artifacts
Artifact1939 Lincoln Presidential Limousine Used by Franklin D. Roosevelt
This was the first car built expressly for presidential use. It was nicknamed the "Sunshine Special" because President Franklin Roosevelt loved to ride in it with the top down. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 the car was returned to the factory where it was equipped with armor plate and bullet-resistant tires and gas tank. The "Sunshine Special" was retired in 1950.
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Related Content
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