The 1961 continental limousine must go down in history as a death
vehicle one of our nations brightest presidents suffered
his assassination in this historic vehicle that a collector would pay
millions to own. Continental is a specific model owned by Lincoln cars
and American company that for years drove governmental officials
around in style.The Midnight Blue 1961 Lincoln that President John F.
Kennedy was assassinated in on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas,
carried the Secret Service code name SS 100X. 
The limo complete lack of protective features at the time reminds us that 1963 was a very different time in America. It didn't even have a permanent roof , It was a convertible that only had removable steel and transparent-plastic roof panels, and they were not bullet-proof. The doors weren't bullet-proof, either, and it didn't have a special protective steel plate attached to the undercarriage. It had been delivered to The White House on June 14, 1961. In 1963 the car's grille was replaced by one from a 1962 model for appearance reasons, and sombrero style wheel covers like those of the 1957 Lincoln Premiere were added. Trunk lid grab handles for Secret Service agents were also changed. The undistinguished District of Columbia license plates on SS 100X had the simple two-letter, three number designation: GG 300.
The limo complete lack of protective features at the time reminds us that 1963 was a very different time in America. It didn't even have a permanent roof , It was a convertible that only had removable steel and transparent-plastic roof panels, and they were not bullet-proof. The doors weren't bullet-proof, either, and it didn't have a special protective steel plate attached to the undercarriage. It had been delivered to The White House on June 14, 1961. In 1963 the car's grille was replaced by one from a 1962 model for appearance reasons, and sombrero style wheel covers like those of the 1957 Lincoln Premiere were added. Trunk lid grab handles for Secret Service agents were also changed. The undistinguished District of Columbia license plates on SS 100X had the simple two-letter, three number designation: GG 300.
During his time in office JFK used the
car on various overseas and domestic trips. When the armored limousine needed
to be transported in the air, it was typically flown in by a US Air Force cargo
plane that arrived at the location before the big Boeing 707 known as Air Force
1. For moving long distances on the ground, the Secret Service had a large
trailer, It was of course modified by the secret service to escort the
nations leaders but after the assassination of JFK the continental was further
modied the secret service put in an additional 500,000 dollars... these non
safety things were added ...dark blue broadcloth lap robes
with gray plush lining and hand-embroidered presidential seals in special door
pockets; blue Mouton rug in rear, auxiliary jump seats for extra passengers ,
two flagstaffs on the front fenders. Presidential limo. The curb weight had increased from 5,215
pounds to over 7,800. The work done included literally cutting the car in half,
extending it 3 ½ feet to 21 feet in length, reinforcing the chassis, adding a
removable steel and transparent plastic roof panels which provided everything
from privacy, to completely open visibility, a hydraulic rear seat that could
be raised 10 ½" to improve visibility; large heating and air conditioning
system with auxiliary blowers and 2 control panels; four retractable steps for
Secret Service agents; two steps on rear bumper for additional agents; flashing
red lights, siren indicator lights ,two radio phones, interior
floodlights, two flashing spotlights into the front bumper and Firestone bullet
proof tires. No armor plating was added since it was considered a car used for
parades and the purpose was visibility rather than protection. The SS 100X is now on
view at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
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