15 Rides Presidents Enjoyed During Their Terms

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15 Rides Presidents Enjoyed During Their Terms 

Take an interesting step back in time and see what presidential limousines some of our past presidents got to enjoy.

When it comes to the cars driven by U.S. presidents, each ride has a story to tell. From armored limos to iconic Cadillacs, these vehicles weren't just means of transportation—they were rolling symbols of power and innovation.

Here's a journey through some of the most memorable presidential rides from the last century.

1939 Lincoln K-Series Sunshine Special - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Eric Friedebach – Lincoln Sunshine Special Presidential Limousine / Flickr

The 1939 Lincoln K-Series, also known as the Sunshine Special, was the first specially designed presidential limo. FDR loved it for its unique open-top design, which allowed him to connect more personally with the public. But when WWII began, the car got some serious upgrades, including bulletproof glass and a siren, making it much safer.

Today, the Sunshine Special sits proudly on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan. It's remembered as one of the first armored cars used by a U.S. president, marking a shift toward more secure presidential vehicles in response to growing safety concerns.

1942 Lincoln Custom - Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman

Petersen Auto Museum

The 1942 Lincoln Custom was introduced during WWII, offering a more secure and powerful option for FDR and later President Harry Truman. This limo featured armor plating and bulletproof glass, showing the increasing importance of security for presidents during these challenging times.

This vehicle symbolized America's resilience during the war years, and its protective features set the standard for future presidential cars. It's one of the lesser-known vehicles on this list but played an essential role in shielding two presidents during their terms.

1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan - Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy

Spanish Coches – 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan / Flickr

The 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan was a favorite of three U.S. presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy. This limo was the first to feature a bulletproof bubble canopy, which allowed the presidents to be seen without compromising their safety—a revolutionary design for the time.

On display today at the Henry Ford Museum, this limo was in service until 1967, reflecting its durability and iconic status. The Cosmopolitan's bubble canopy has left a lasting impact on the design of future presidential vehicles, blending visibility with security in a way that became standard.

1961 Lincoln Continental SS-100-X - John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson

Eric Friedebach – 1961 Lincoln Continental SS-100-X / Flickr

The 1961 Lincoln Continental SS-100-X may be one of the most recognized presidential cars due to its association with the tragic assassination of JFK. This limo, customized with extra seats and handles for Secret Service agents, had an open-top design that was meant to keep Kennedy visible to the public—a feature that later led to its replacement with fully armored vehicles.

Following the assassination, this Continental was modified with a permanent roof and armored upgrades for Lyndon B. Johnson's use. It remains on display at the Henry Ford Museum, serving as a stark reminder of how presidential security has evolved.

1965 Lincoln Continental - Lyndon B. Johnson

Alden Jewell – 1965 Lincoln Continental Sedan / Flickr

When Lyndon B. Johnson took office, he continued to ride in Lincolns, choosing the 1965 Lincoln Continental as his official vehicle. This sleek and stylish limo offered a balance between luxury and practicality and continued the tradition of using heavily modified Lincolns as state cars.

The 1965 Continental's refined design symbolized a more modern America, but after Kennedy's tragic death, security measures became more stringent, paving the way for a new era of fortified presidential vehicles.

1969 Lincoln Continental - Richard Nixon

Noah Wulf – 1969 Lincoln Continental / Wikimedia Commons

Richard Nixon's 1969 Lincoln Continental carried on the stylish look of previous models but was the first presidential limo equipped with state-of-the-art security features, including reinforced armor. Known for its sleek design, it represented the style of the late '60s while addressing growing security needs.

This Continental is on display at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, showcasing the increasing sophistication of presidential vehicles in both style and safety.

1972 Lincoln Continental - Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan

Greg Gjerdingen – 1972 Presidential Limousine / Flickr

The 1972 Lincoln Continental holds a unique place in history, as it served three presidents and survived two assassination attempts—one involving President Ford in 1975 and another with President Reagan in 1981. Originally a 1970 model updated with a 1972 body style, this car evolved throughout the years to keep up with the latest safety features.

Today, this limo is on display at the Henry Ford Museum. Its historical significance and resilience make it one of the most memorable presidential rides, representing a turbulent yet transformative time for the presidency.

1983 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham - Ronald Reagan

Stusviews – 1983 Presidential Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham / Wikimedia Commons

The 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham was Reagan's vehicle of choice, bringing Cadillac into the spotlight as a presidential carmaker. This limo boasted both luxury and security, with a reinforced structure that could withstand various threats.

Reagan's Fleetwood Brougham stood out for its classic American design, representing a step towards Cadillac's future as a mainstay for presidential limos.

1989 Lincoln Town Car - George H. W. Bush

Anorak Cline – 1989 Lincoln Town Car Presidential Limousine / Flickr

George H. W. Bush rode in style with the 1989 Lincoln Town Car, a model known for its spacious interior and advanced safety features. This car was a favorite for its comfort and American elegance, allowing Bush to travel in both luxury and security.

The 1989 Town Car symbolizes a traditional approach to presidential vehicles, merging classic luxury with upgraded safety elements suitable for a modern president.

1993 Cadillac Fleetwood - Bill Clinton

Thomas R Machnitzki – 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Clinton Library / Wikimedia Commons

The 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood marked a milestone as the first Cadillac designed specifically as a presidential state car, rather than a modified production model. It set a new standard for Cadillac's role in presidential transportation, with enhanced armor and advanced communication systems.

Currently displayed at the Clinton Presidential Library, this limo reflects the transition to purpose-built vehicles for U.S. presidents, a trend that continues to this day.

2001 Cadillac DeVille - George W. Bush

George W. Bush Presidential Center – 2001 Cadillac DeVille / Wikimedia Commons

George W. Bush's 2001 Cadillac DeVille brought a futuristic look to the presidential fleet, with high-tech features designed to keep him safe on the road. This limo offered state-of-the-art communications and was reinforced to withstand various types of threats.

The DeVille marked Cadillac's dedication to evolving with the times, as each new model added more advanced security features, setting the stage for even more robust presidential cars.

2005 Cadillac DTS Presidential State Car - George W. Bush and Barack Obama

Dtom – Limousine of President George W. Bush in Zagreb, Croatia / Wikimedia Commons

The 2005 Cadillac DTS Presidential State Car served both Bush and Obama, symbolizing a new era of heavily armored and highly secure state cars. The DTS featured a reinforced structure, specialized armor, and communication technology to keep the presidents safe and connected.

Its heavy-duty design helped shape the look of future presidential Cadillacs, as the U.S. moved towards a new standard of protection for its leaders.

2009 Cadillac One - Barack Obama and Donald Trump

Tillman Bauknight II – President Obama’s Limo / Flickr

Nicknamed "The Beast," the 2009 Cadillac was an absolute fortress on wheels. Used by both Obama and Trump, this limo could withstand nearly anything, from explosions to chemical attacks. Equipped with advanced technology and maximum security, "Cadillac One" set a new standard for presidential safety.

This limo was famous not only for its sheer strength but also for its iconic, boxy design that embodied modern Cadillac style while prioritizing presidential security.

2011 Ground Force One - Barack Obama

Lawrence Jackson – President Barack Obama boards Ground Force One / Wikimedia Commons

Ground Force One, a high-security bus based on a Prevost Car chassis, was introduced during Obama's term for added flexibility on road trips. This bus offered the president a mobile office with all the tech and security features necessary for a secure, comfortable ride.

While it's not as famous as other presidential vehicles, Ground Force One was a practical addition to the fleet, giving presidents more options for secure transportation.

2018 Cadillac - Donald Trump and Joe Biden

The White House from Washington, DC – President Donald J. Trump’s 2018 Cadillac / Wikimedia Commons

The 2018 Cadillac, an updated version of "The Beast," currently serves Joe Biden, after being introduced during Trump's term. It features design cues similar to a Cadillac Escalade, weighing up to 20,000 pounds with the latest armor and safety upgrades.

This modern Cadillac reflects how presidential cars have evolved into high-tech fortresses on wheels, combining style with state-of-the-art protection.