JFK Remembered: X-100 Under Construction
25 artifacts in this set
Three Convertible Roof Options for Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine While Being Customized, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Creating Model for Customizing the Removable Tops, 1961
Photographic print
The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. Among the special modifications was a removable clear roof consisting of multiple plastic panels. Customizers designed the roof panels to stack neatly into the limousine's trunk where they were available whenever needed. The panels required careful, precision work.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Customized with Convertible Roof Options, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Showing Customized Interior, 1961
Photographic print
The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The modified car's interior included a blue mouton rug; two dark blue broadcloth lap robes, embroidered with the presidential seal, that tucked into pockets in the doors; and two folding jump seats for additional passengers.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Customization, Sketch of Door Pocket and Jump Seat, 1961
Photographic print
The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. The modified car's interior included a blue mouton rug; two dark blue broadcloth lap robes, embroidered with the presidential seal, that tucked into pockets in the doors; and two folding jump seats for additional passengers.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Customization, Chassis Testing on a Jig, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Creating Model for Customizing the Removable Tops, 1961
Photographic print
The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. Among the special modifications was a removable clear roof consisting of multiple plastic panels. Customizers designed the roof panels to stack neatly into the limousine's trunk where they were available whenever needed. The panels required careful, precision work.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine with Hess & Eisenhardt Shop Crew, 1961
Photographic print
The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. Among the special modifications was a hydraulic lift installed on the rear seat. At the touch of a button, the president could raise the seat 10-1/2 inches to make himself and his passengers more visible to crowds watching the limousine pass.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Customization, Extension, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Customization, Rear Bumper with Steps, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Overhead View during Customization, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Customization, Adjustable Hydraulic Seat, 1961
Photographic print
The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. Among the special modifications was a hydraulic lift installed on the rear seat. At the touch of a button, the president could raise the seat 10-1/2 inches to make himself and his passengers more visible to crowds watching the limousine pass.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Customization, Testing Adjustable Hydraulic Seat, 1961
Photographic print
The Hess & Eisenhardt Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, transformed a stock 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible into the presidential limousine. Among the special modifications was a hydraulic lift installed on the rear seat. At the touch of a button, the president could raise the seat 10-1/2 inches to make himself and his passengers more visible to crowds watching the limousine pass.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Customization, the Spare Tire Well, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Customization, Removable Transparent Top Sections Stored in Trunk, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Showing Customized Removable Transparent Top Sections in Trunk, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Showing Transparent Top and Customized Removable Canvas Sunshade, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Showing Transparent Top and Customized Removable Canvas Sunshade, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Showing Customized Transparent Top with Storage Bags, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine, Showing Installation of Transparent Top, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Customization, Installing Rear Enclosed Roof, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Customization, Extensive Chassis Changes, 1961
Photographic print
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.
Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine Customization, Extensive Chassis Changes, 1961
Photographic print
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.
History of the Kennedy Limousine
Film clip
Arguably, no presidential limousine is as widely recognized as the 1961 Lincoln Continental in which John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. When originally constructed, the car had no armor. After the tragedy, it was thoroughly rebuilt with titanium plating, bullet-resistant glass, and a more powerful engine to handle the added weight. This film tells the limo's remarkable story.
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