A JFK Presidential Limousine Is For Sale – And It’s Not That Expensive #blogpost
Note: this is NOT the car Kennedy was assassinated in, because that was a ’61, whereas this is a ’63. And I’ve done some deeper research into this car alongside the ad’s description.
In my previous post, I showed you that an original 1938 Mercedes 770K owned by Adolf Hitler is up for grabs at a Scottsdale auction later this month.
But the historic leader theme isn’t over. Because I’ve literally been browsing old American cars for sale (like an idiot), and by chance, stumbled across a genuine, White House commissioned Kennedy car… and it’s not that expensive!
So What Was It Used For?
As you probably all know, the car in question is a stretched 1963 Lincoln Continental convertible- which is hardly surprising since it was the go-to choice for the young, slightly vulnerable new president to cruise about in.
However, you’d have expected this car to be running around the White House? But you’d be wrong.
This particular car was used for numerous trips by Kennedy around the globe when state visiting Western European states. It rolled off the coach-builder’s production line in March 1963, just months before the brutal assassination in November.
And yes, this is the very car that Kennedy travelled in en route in West Berlin to deliver his iconic “Ich bin einer Berliner” speech! Not to mention his rather surprising visit to Dublin…
The Specs
This being a Lincoln, the engine is amongst the biggest you could have in the early ’60s. But it obviously was standard for American cars of the time.
Therefore power comes from a 430ci V8 producing a healthy 350bhp and around 480lb-ft of torque – which is certainly needed, considering that this car weighs 3.5 tonnes. And that (in case you’re interested) is a whole tonne HEAVIER than the normal Continental.
And if you want proof of documentation- the “Musée Automobile des Voitures de Chefs d’État” (a presidential car museum) has kept archives of the car in action with Kennedy on board.
Other modifications include grab handles on the boot lid for security guards, flags on each wing, flashing red lights and a siren which effectively says; “Peasants: the president is coming through!”
So, How Much Is It?
Obviously, the U.S government wouldn’t allow the original 1961 assassination car to be sold, so this is the next best thing.
There is no evidence to suggest how many miles this car has covered, but I suspect due to the untimely death, not too many. Nevertheless, the car is now registered in the UK and for sale at a classic car dealer in Hampshire.
The price? £80,000
I was sceptical at first, because that’s oddly cheap. But the history and paperwork proves it: this is a genuine John F. Kennedy 1963 Lincoln Continental.
It may not have been used in the USA, but its historical use was staggering.
If you’re interested in buying it, the advert is below!
Where I originally wrote this article amongst others :) - http://revvingitdaily.com/home/
Comments
Wow
What do you mean ‚Not that expensive‘?:D
Considering it’s a Kennedy car, I would’ve expected it to be worth at least £500k!