telegraph.co.uk
Presidential Cars Through History
A look at the history of presidential vehicles in the United States, from horse-drawn carriages to the modern armored "Beast."
English
United Kingdom
Us PoliticsTechnologySecurityHistoryCarsPresidents
White Motor CompanyFord Motor CompanyLincolnCadillacSecret Service
Theodore RooseveltWilliam Howard TaftWarren G. HardingFranklin D. RooseveltJohn F. Kennedy
- Which presidential car is the most famous?
- The Lincoln car in which John F. Kennedy was assassinated is the most famous presidential car, and it's currently at the Henry Ford Museum. After the assassination, it was rebuilt and used by later presidents.
- Who was the first president to be a qualified driver?
- President Warren G. Harding was the first president who was a qualified driver, in the early 1920s. Later, Franklin D. Roosevelt had his Ford Phaeton modified with hand controls due to his polio.
- How has the design of presidential cars changed since the 1980s?
- After the 1980s, presidential vehicles became more nondescript due to heightened security concerns. Modern presidential cars prioritize safety features over aesthetics.
- What were some notable features of Franklin D. Roosevelt's cars?
- The "Sunshine Special" Lincoln, a 1939 model, was the first car built exclusively for presidential use and included a two-way radio. FDR also used a Cadillac 341A, originally owned by Al Capone, that was heavily armored.
- What were the transportation preferences of Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft?
- Theodore Roosevelt preferred horse-drawn carriages, while William Howard Taft updated the White House stables to garages and used a fleet of cars including Pierce-Arrows.