The Lincoln Limo at a Glance ...

Lincoln_continental The Lincoln limousine, or "limo" for short, has been the popular choice for those who could afford or demand such luxury since the early 1930's. The word "limousine" originated in the "Limousin" region of France, where shepherds used an "over-sized" hooded garment to protect themselves during inclement weather. The drivers of early limo's used these types of garments as protection from the cold, as the limo driver usually sat unprotected in the front seat.

One of the more significant uses for the Lincoln Limousine was the Presidential limos. The first limousine specifically built for a President was known as the "Sunshine Special". It was a 1939 Lincoln Model K, powered by a V12 engine, and built for President Franklin Roosevelt. This famous Lincoln Limo convertible traveled the globe with Mr. Roosevelt, and was later updated and upgraded for President Truman. After modifications of armor plating, bulletproof tires, and extra submachine guns, the weight of the Limo increased to a hefty 9,300 pounds. This car now resides at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

Two 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible Limos followed the Sunshine Special. Of the two, used by Dwight Eisenhower, one was fitted with a large canopy top, and soon took on the nickname as the "Bubbletop".Upon its retirement it was put on display at the Henry Ford Museum also.

Next came along a 1961 Lincoln Continental 4 door Convertible, which was the limo John F. Kennedy was riding in when he was assassinated. After the assassination, the limo (designated the SS-100-X) was rebuilt, and refitted with a permanent bulletproof hardtop, and other security features at a cost of $500,000. It was used by Presidents Johnson and Nixon before being retired in 1977.

In addition to the SS-100-X, President Johnson had two 1965 Lincoln Continental Executive limousines at his disposal. President Nixon acquired a 1969 Lincoln Limo that was equipped with a special sunroof that allowed the President to stand up in. A 1972 Lincoln Continetnal that was stretched to 22 feet, was also commissioned by President Nixon. It was used by Presidents Ford, Carter, and Reagan. This was the limousine that President Reagan was about to enter during his assination attempt in 1981. This limo now resides at the Henry Ford Museum as well. It is the last Presidential Limo that was given to a museum, all others are destroyed upon being retired.

To date, the last Lincoln to be used as a Presidential Limo was a 1989 modified Lincoln Town Car used by President George W. Bush.

In addition to the Lincoln Limousines being used by Presidents, the Lincoln Town Car Series has always proved to be the popular choice for chauffeur driven cars by politicians, executives and pop stars alike. The first time the name Lincoln Town Car was used, was for a custom built Lincoln for Henry Ford's personal use in 1922. It is probably no coincidence that "Town Car" is the English translation of the French phrase "Coupe DeVille", as the Lincoln Town Car was Fords answer to GM's popular Cadillac model.

The name was used for a variety of trim levels for Lincoln cars until 1981, when it became a permanent model name for Lincoln.. Over its history Lincoln Town Cars have always been on the leading edge of new technical features. Just one of the examples is the "Keypad entry system", introduced in 1981, which is still in use today by several Ford and Lincoln Mercury products.

Through out most of its production, there have been three primary trim levels associated with the Town Car, the "Executive", the "Signature", and the "Cartier". Special editions of the Lincoln Town Car were introduced in the Nineties, including the "Jack Nicklaus Signature Series", the "Spinnaker Edition", and a special "Diamond Anniversary Edition" to celebrate Lincoln's 75th anniversary.

Of the many reasons the Lincoln Town Car became one of America's best selling, full size luxury sedans, one is the fact that it is one of the safest cars available in North America. The Town Car was the first car in automotive history to receive a "five star" rating in all five safety categories.