A History of Presidential Cadillacs

admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:35:32 +0000

From the early days of automobiles to high tech, prestigious, tank-like vehicles, the Presidential State Car has always been an important part of the Chief of Staff’s entourage – and many of those rides have been Cadillac based cars. We take a look back at the history of Caddy’s in the roll of transporting American history makers.

1928 Cadillac Town Car – Calvin Coolidge

30th US President Coolidge was the first to pick a Cadillac as his Presidential vehicle. His 1928 Cadillac Fleetwood Town Car was a popular model with both the President and Chicago mob boss Al Capone.

1953 Eldorado – Dwight D. Eisenhower

34th President Dwight Eisenhower was known for being a fan of American automobiles, and rode in one of the first production Eldorado drop-tops ever produced by General Motors. This vehicle is now on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan.

1983 Cadillac Fleetwood – Ronald Reagan

Good old Ronnie Reagan, former Hollywood heart throb and 41st President of the United States, switched from Lincoln limos to the now famous Cadillac Fleetwood. This type of stretch Caddy became so popular with its many appearances on TV shows, GM produced a non-armored version for sale to the general public.

Presidential Series Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham – Bill Clinton

42nd President Bill Clinton was a certified pimp in his 1993 Cadillac Limo. It was a dark ride, since no sunroof or running boards were installed in order to minimize external threats. Maybe Bill liked it shady inside…wonder how many times the upholstery was redone after a ride with one of his Presidential aides.

2001 Cadillac Deville & 2005 DTS – George W. Bush

43rd President George W. Bush has had not one, but two different Special Edition Cadillac Limousines. The first being a 2001 DeVille, followed by a very much updated 2005 DTS. The later car will eventually be put on display at the yet to be named George W. Bush Library in Texas. We have plenty of jokes to follow the Bush Library – but it’s just too easy, and more fun for you to make up your own!

Cadillac Presidential Limousine – Barack Obama

Newly elected 44th President of the United States Barack Obama now has the king of Cadillac Presidential rides. This armored vehicle has an under-floor blanket made of Kevlar and shock-absorbent materials to deflect grenade attacks. It also holds ballistic-resistant tires, 8 inch thick doors and windows, and steel wheels that can operate without any rubber. Don’t forget the air-tight sealed interior circulation system to stop gas attacks.