There have been some truly unique limousines that have been built over the years, but some of the most special models were the ones that were made specifically to transport the nation’s presidents. Check out this list of some of the top limos in presidential history, as presented by a local limousine service in Baltimore County, MD.
The Sunshine Special
The first luxury car that was built specifically for presidential use was the 1939 Lincoln known as the Sunshine Special. This K-Series model was first used by President Franklin Roosevelt, and got its name because the convertible top was perpetually down. Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt that was made while he was giving a speech from the back of a vehicle several years earlier, so it was imperative that the Sunshine Special came equipped with all of the necessary security measures to protect both the president and his staff. The limo came with extra-wide running boards and compartments for Secret Service agents to store their guns, and eventually bulletproof windows and full-body armor were added for improved security. The Sunshine Special was in presidential service for 11 years, until it was retired for the Lincoln Cosmopolitan in 1950.
Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
Several Lincoln models were used as presidential limousines until the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, when the shift was made to Cadillac. In 1993, President Bill Clinton received a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham that had been built from the ground up. The limousine certainly provided ample space for the president, adding 17 inches in total length and three inches on the roof to the already large Fleetwood design. This gave the president good visibility while riding, and a powerful air conditioning system kept the cabin cool and comfortable for the duration of the ride.
Cadillac DTS – The Beast
In 2009, when President Barack Obama took office, he commissioned a Cadillac limousine that boasted the DTS Sedan model’s design with the power of a GM truck. The security that was added to this vehicle was unmatched, as it was built heavily armored for protection against bullets, explosions and even chemical or biological threats. The tires were constructed with the same rubber that is used for heavy-duty trucks, and could run even when flattened. This limousine even had a supply of the president’s blood type on hand for emergency situations.
There have certainly been some very interesting limousines that have been used for presidential transport over the years, and with the advancements that continue to be made, it is safe to say that some of the more interesting creations are still yet to come. If you want the presidential treatment and are looking for a limousine in Baltimore County, MD to carry you around in style, contact us at American Sedan & Limo Service today. We have been providing professional and reliable transportation in the area for the past 23 years, and are ready to serve you whether you are going to the airport or your first prom. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today.