The Evolution of the Presidential State Car
The United States presidential state car, affectionately known as "the Beast," has a rich history that parallels the advancements in automotive technology and security measures. This iconic vehicle, which serves as the official state car of the President of the United States, has undergone significant changes over the years to ensure the safety and security of the Commander-in-Chief.
Early Beginnings: Taft and Wilson
The early 20th century saw the dawn of automotive technology, and Presidents William Howard Taft and Woodrow Wilson were quick to embrace it. Taft, known for his fondness for steam cars, purchased a fleet of cars and converted the White House stables into a garage. Wilson, on the other hand, was a fan of the Pierce-Arrow cars, purchasing three of them for his administration.
The Sunshine Special: Roosevelt's Innovation
The presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the presidential state car. In 1939, Roosevelt received the Sunshine Special, the first presidential state car built to United States Secret Service standards. This Lincoln convertible featured heavy-duty suspension, armor, bulletproof glass, and standing platforms for Secret Service agents.
Truman and Eisenhower: The Cosmopolitans
President Harry S. Truman's grudge against General Motors led him to choose Lincoln to make the presidential state car. The White House leased ten Lincoln Cosmopolitans, modified for security and extra headroom. President Dwight D. Eisenhower later had one of the Cosmopolitans fitted with a Plexiglas roof, earning it the nickname "Bubble-top."
Kennedy's Lincoln Continental: A Tragic Legacy
President John F. Kennedy's 1961 Lincoln Continental, known as the X-100, was a symbol of presidential elegance. However, its open-top design made Kennedy vulnerable, leading to his tragic assassination in 1963. The car underwent significant modifications after the assassination, including armor, bulletproof glass, and improved telecommunications gear.
The Modern Era: Bush to Biden
Subsequent presidential state cars, from George W. Bush to Joe Biden, have continued to evolve with advancements in technology and security. These vehicles feature state-of-the-art defensive measures, including armor, bulletproof glass, run-flat tires, and sealed cabins to protect against chemical attacks. The current model, introduced in 2018, is built on a Cadillac platform and is nicknamed "the Beast."
Presidential Motorcades: A Symbol of Power
Presidential motorcades, which include the presidential state car, are elaborate affairs involving multiple vehicles for security, healthcare, the press, and route-clearing. These motorcades showcase the power and authority of the President of the United States while ensuring their safety and security.
The evolution of the presidential state car reflects not only advancements in automotive technology but also the changing security needs of the presidency. From Taft's steam cars to Biden's armored Cadillac, each vehicle has been designed to protect and serve the President of the United States, ensuring their safety and security in an ever-changing world.
