Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine While Being Customized, 1961
THF227801 / Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine While Being Customized, 1961
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Artifact Overview
The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The firm stretched the car by 3-1/2 feet, added steps for Secret Service agents, and installed a siren, flashing lights, and other special accessories. The customization took approximately six months and the car arrived at the White House in June 1961.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Photographic print
Subject Date
1961
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
P.B.90918
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 8 in
Width: 10 in
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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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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.