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Kennedy Presidential Limousine
What was the car's make and model?
The original car was a 1961 Lincoln Continental 4-door convertible.
Why was it called "X-100"?
X-100 was the code name given to the car by the Secret Service.
Who built the car?
Ford Motor Company assembled the car at its Lincoln plant in Wixom, Michigan in January 1961. Hess & Eisenhardt of Cincinnati, Ohio was responsible for customizing the car to function as a presidential parade limousine, literally cutting it in half, reinforcing it, extending it 3 ½feet in length, and making numerous other modifications. Ford Motor Company and Hess & Eisenhardt collaborated on engineering and styling. It debuted at the White House in June 1961. The car remained the property of the Ford Motor Company, which leased it to the Secret Service for the nominal price of $500 per year.
What did the car cost to build?
The car, as equipped at the Lincoln plant, would have retailed for $7,347. Custom built, the car cost nearly $200,000, according to Randy Mason ("The Saga of the 'X-100'").
What were some of the car's special features?
Special features on the 1961 limousine included:
- Removable steel and transparent plastic roof panels
- Hydraulic rear seat that could be raised 10½" to elevate the president
- Massive heating and air conditioning system with auxiliary blowers and 2 control panels
- Dark blue broadcloth lap robes with gray plush lining and hand-embroidered presidential seals in special door pockets
- Four retractable steps for Secret Service agents
- Two steps on rear bumper for additional agents
- Flashing red lights, siren
- Blue Mouton rug in rear
- Indicator lights when door was ajar or steps out
- Two flagstaffs, two spotlights
- Auxiliary jump seats for extra passengers
- Two radio telephones
- Interior floodlights
In 1963 the car's grille was replaced by one from a 1962 model and 'sombrero'-style wheel covers like those of the 1957 Lincoln Premiere were added. Trunk lid grab handles for Secret Service agents were affixed as well.
What happened to the car after President Kennedy's assassination?
The X-100 was impounded for evidence in the weeks following the assassination on November 22, 1963. Soon after plans were made to modify the car in Cincinnati, Ohio and then return it to Washington D.C.
What was "Project D-2" or the "Quick Fix"?
Following the assassination of President Kennedy, a committee was formed (originally comprised of thirty people) of six people representing the Secret Service, Army Materials Research Center, Hess & Eisenhardt and Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company. The White House approved a plan for a revamp of the X-100 around December 12, 1963. Work was completed May 1, 1964 and extensive testing was performed in Cincinnati, Ohio and Dearborn, Michigan before the car was delivered to the White House in June. Costs have been estimated to exceed $500,000 and were shared by Ford Motor Company, some Ford suppliers and the federal government.
Basic elements of the revamp included:
- Complete re-armoring of rear passenger compartment
- Addition of permanent non-removable top ("greenhouse") to accommodate transparent armor
- Replacement of engine with hand-built, high compression unit, providing approximately 17 percent more power
- Addition of second air conditioning unit in trunk
- Addition of certain electronic communication devices
- Reinforcement of some mechanical and structural components, e.g. front wheel spindles and door hinges, to accommodate additional weight
- Complete re-trimming of rear compartment, eliminating damage resulting from the assassination
- New paint treatment, "regal Presidential Blue Metallic with silver metallic flakes that glitter under bright lights and sunshine" (May 1, 1964 report by Willard C. Hess of Hess & Eisenhardt)
What was "Project R-2"?
The X-100 underwent major modifications again in January 1967. These were also completed by Hess & Eisenhardt and included:
- Revision of air conditioning system for greater cooling capacity
- Conversion of right rear door, which had been 1 13/16” bullet-proof glass, to drop-glass actuated by heavy duty power regulator assembly
- Reinforcement of deck lid with fiberglass to accommodate additional weight
- Stripping of entire car to bare metal in order to remove dents and repaint body
- Minor changes, such as addition of roof mounted grab handles
In the following ten years, other minor modifications were made as well. Front bumper guards were added and their built-in red flasher lights were replaced with red lights in the grille. During President Nixon’s stay in office, the large one-piece glass roof was replaced with one with a smaller glass area and a hinged panel. This would permit the president to stand during parades.
When was the car retired?
Although other presidential parade cars were built in 1968 and 1972, it was used occasionally by Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Carter. The X-100 remained in service until early 1977. The car is now exhibited to the public at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
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Artifacts Related to Kennedy Presidential Limousine
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Used by John F. Kennedy
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1961
Summary
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.
Keywords
United States, District of Columbia, Washington
Lincoln Continental automobile
Connally, Idanell B. (Idanell Brill), 1919-2006
Connally, John Bowden, 1917-1993
Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973
Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy, 1929-1994
Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963
Nixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913-1994
Object ID
78.4.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Used by John F. Kennedy
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
John F. Kennedy Political Campaign Button, 1960
Artifact
Button (Information Artifact)
Date Made
1960
Summary
Using giveaways like this campaign button, Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kennedy launched an exhaustive campaign in 1960 against Republican opponent Vice President Richard M. Nixon. Despite charges that he lacked experience in foreign affairs and that his Catholic background would hurt him, Kennedy's knowledge and maturity eventually won him the very close 1960 election.
Creators
Place of Creation
Object ID
2000.145.32
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
John F. Kennedy Political Campaign Button, 1960
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
Detroit Free Press Newspaper for November 23, 1963, "Kennedy Slain! Johnson President"
Artifact
Newspaper
Date Made
23 November 1963
Summary
This Saturday morning issue of the Detroit Free Press shows the way newspapers around the world announced the death of President John F. Kennedy. The editors took the unusual step of devoting the entire front page and much of the first twelve pages to the events in Dallas on November 22, 1963. This lengthy coverage was only for such major events.
Place of Creation
Keywords
United States, Michigan, Detroit
Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963
Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy, 1929-1994
Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973
Object ID
2013.50.27
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Estate of Dr. and Mrs. Martin A. Glynn.
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
Detroit Free Press Newspaper for November 23, 1963, "Kennedy Slain! Johnson President"
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine with Customized Convertible Roof Options, 1961
Details
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine with Customized Convertible Roof Options, 1961
Artifact
Photographic print
Summary
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.
Object ID
P.B.82137
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Related Objects
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine with Customized Convertible Roof Options, 1961
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
Time Magazine for January 27, 1961, "The Inauguration of John Fitzgerald Kennedy"
Artifact
Magazine (Periodical)
Date Made
27 January 1961
Summary
On January 20, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy -- America's youngest president and first Catholic president -- was sworn in as the 35th president of the United States. In his inaugural address, Kennedy told Americans, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Media coverage included this Time magazine feature story.
Place of Creation
Object ID
2013.50.14
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Estate of Dr. and Mrs. Martin A. Glynn.
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
Time Magazine for January 27, 1961, "The Inauguration of John Fitzgerald Kennedy"
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
Design Drawing for President John F. Kennedy's 1961 Lincoln Continental Limousine
Artifact
Photographic print
Summary
This 1961 limousine--dubbed X-100 by United States Secret Service agents--was designed and custom-built as a presidential parade car. An assassin shot John F. Kennedy in the Lincoln Continental in November 1963. The un-armored, open convertible had failed to protect President Kennedy and was radically modified. A revamped X-100 remained in the White House fleet until 1977.
Object ID
2011.241.14.32
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Edward L. Gies in Memory of Morgan L. Gies.
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
Design Drawing for President John F. Kennedy's 1961 Lincoln Continental Limousine
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
Souvenir Card, President John F. Kennedy at Televised Press Conference, April 3, 1963
Artifact
Print (Visual work)
Date Made
1963-1964
Summary
President John F. Kennedy seemed to understand instinctively how to use the new medium of television. He held the first live televised Presidential press conference on January 25, 1961, and continued this regularly throughout his Presidency. This Souvenir Card depicts President Kennedy in a relaxed pose recognizing a reporter during a nationwide televised press conference in 1963.
Keywords
Object ID
2013.91.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
Souvenir Card, President John F. Kennedy at Televised Press Conference, April 3, 1963
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine with Sunshade after "Quick Fix," 1964
Artifact
Photographic print
Summary
After President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963, the Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, rebuilt the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine into an armored car. The most prominent change was a permanent top fitted with bullet resistant windows around the sides and in the roof. The rooftop windows could be covered with a black vinyl top.
Keywords
United States, Ohio, Cincinnati
Lincoln Continental automobile
Object ID
P.B.92138
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Related Objects
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine with Sunshade after "Quick Fix," 1964
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine with Sunshade for Non-Parade Use, after "Quick Fix," 1964
Details
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine with Sunshade for Non-Parade Use, after "Quick Fix," 1964
Artifact
Photographic print
Summary
After President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963, the Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, rebuilt the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine into an armored car. The most prominent change was a permanent top fitted with bullet resistant windows around the sides and in the roof. The rooftop windows could be covered with a black vinyl top.
Keywords
United States, Ohio, Cincinnati
Lincoln Continental automobile
Object ID
P.B.92145
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Related Objects
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine with Sunshade for Non-Parade Use, after "Quick Fix," 1964
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Trunk after "Quick Fix," 1964
Artifact
Photographic print
Summary
After President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963, the Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, rebuilt the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine into an armored car. The back of the car's rear seat was plated with 3/8-inch-thick titanium, and the fuel tank was lined with urethane foam able to suppress an explosion.
Keywords
United States, Ohio, Cincinnati
Lincoln Continental automobile
Object ID
P.B.92135
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Related Objects
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Trunk after "Quick Fix," 1964
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine on Exhibit in Henry Ford Museum, 1981
Artifact
Photographic print
Summary
The 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, was donated to The Henry Ford by Ford Motor Company in 1978. The car, completely rebuilt after the assassination, did not go on exhibit until 1981. The museum's policy at that time was not to display cars less than 20 years old.
Place of Creation
Keywords
United States, Michigan, Dearborn
Lincoln Continental automobile
Object ID
P.B.90244.CN
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Related Objects
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine on Exhibit in Henry Ford Museum, 1981
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Rebuilding Body during "Quick Fix," 1964
Artifact
Photographic print
Summary
After President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963, the Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, rebuilt the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine into an armored car. Titanium armor, bullet-resistant glass and tires, and a permanent roof improved the president's security. The modified car returned to the White House in May 1964 and remained in service until 1977.
Keywords
United States, Ohio, Cincinnati
Bodies (Land vehicle components)
Lincoln Continental automobile
Object ID
P.B.92143
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Related Objects
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Rebuilding Body during "Quick Fix," 1964
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Customized with Convertible Roof Options, 1961
Artifact
Photographic print
Summary
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.
Keywords
United States, Ohio, Cincinnati
Lincoln Continental automobile
Object ID
P.B.82140
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Related Objects
Get more details in Digital Collections at:
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Customized with Convertible Roof Options, 1961
What is The Henry Ford?
The national attraction for discovering your ingenuity while exploring America’s spirit of innovation. There is always much to see and do at The Henry Ford.
