During our second installment about the classic presidential limousines used, we talked about the vehicles used by presidents John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, and Ronal Reagan. Both vehicles used by these presidents carried one similarity: both were there when people attempted to assassinate (in the case of JFK, successfully assassinated) the presidents. Now as for the last two limousines, they too have a common bond, which thankfully, didn’t involve any killings. Both were actually the first limousines provided by Cadillac.
The first Cadillac presidential limousine was the 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood. Built again by coachbuilder Hess & Eisenhardt, this limousine was capable of being stretched up to 17 inches. Its roof, on the other hand, could be elevated up to the height of 3 inches. Despite not being pretty to look at, the advantage this vehicle brings is that it provides better visibility. Although this made the president more open to the public, once inside, he’s kept protected by 2 3/8ths inch thick bulletproof glass panes. And to ensure that the president stayed cool under pressure, powerful air conditioning systems were installed. One notable distinction that set this limousine apart from its siblings was that it was able to make its big-screen Hollywood debut courtesy of Clint Eastwood’s movie, In The Line of Fire. Since then, one of them has been returned to GM while the other is on display at the Reagan Presidential Library.
The second Cadillac, and the most recent prior to the latest model used by Obama, is the 2001 Cadillac Deville. Although it’s not as old as the other limousines, we feel that it’s still worth mentioning. Used by George W. Bush, this Cadillac Deville limousine was rumored to be given quite a number of upgrades to ensure the safety of its occupants. First, the body of the limousine was placed on top of a frame used GM’s full-sized SUVs. Second, it’s been given very thick armored doors and bulletproof glass. They’re so thick that these components are able to shut out parts of the light spectrum. Third, it has a self-contained passenger compartment that’s equipped with a secure air supply line. Fourth, its tires were designed with the ability to run flat inner cores. Last, it’s been given a huge 454 cubic inch truck engine allowing the limousine to plow through any obstacles.
And there you have it, the list of limousines used by various U.S. Presidents. Due to their special features and continuous upgrades over the years, it’s safe to say that these are the type of vehicles that every president should consider a must-have.
Sources: Popular Mechanics, Presidential Limousines
