Whiskey, Politics, and a Lincoln: LBJ’s Favorite Convertible

Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, was known for his larger-than-life personality, love of automobiles, and penchant for playing pranks on unsuspecting guests. Among his impressive collection of vehicles was a 1964 Lincoln Continental convertible, a car that became an icon of his presidency and personal life. This vehicle, stationed at his beloved ranch in Stonewall, Texas, provided both transportation and amusement for the president, reflecting his taste for luxury and humor.

LBJ’s Personal 1964 Lincoln Continental

Unlike the official government-issued limousines used in Washington, D.C., Johnson purchased this 1964 Lincoln Continental convertible for personal use through his company, The LBJ Co. This classic car was a regular sight at the LBJ Ranch, where Johnson often entertained guests, political allies, and members of the press. The vehicle was more than just a mode of transportation—it was a mobile extension of Johnson’s character.

The 1964 Lincoln Continental was finished in Arctic White with beige leather upholstery. Equipped with a power-operated convertible soft top, air conditioning, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, vacuum-operated door locks, and an AM/FM radio, this luxury vehicle epitomized American automotive craftsmanship of the era. The car’s distinctive rear-hinged rear doors, often called "suicide doors," added to its classic appeal.

The Fourth-Generation Lincoln Continental

The fourth generation of the Lincoln Continental debuted in 1961 and ran until 1969. It was a significant departure from its predecessors, featuring a more streamlined design and slightly reduced body dimensions. Available as both a four-door sedan and a four-door convertible (until 1966), this model was an instant hit among celebrities and political figures. Owners included Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, and James Brown, reinforcing its status as a car of prestige.

Powering LBJ’s Continental was a robust 430 cubic inch V8 engine mated to a dual-range three-speed automatic transmission. The combination provided ample power and smooth cruising—ideal for long drives across the expansive Texas ranch. Over the course of the model's production, Lincoln offered V8 engine options ranging from 430 cubic inches to 462 cubic inches, all paired with automatic transmissions for effortless performance.

Perhaps the most famous fourth-generation Lincoln Continental was the modified limousine that carried President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, the day of his assassination. Built by Hess & Eisenhardt of Cincinnati, Ohio, that vehicle became a symbol of one of the most tragic moments in American history. Johnson, who was sworn in as president aboard Air Force One later that day, maintained a deep connection to Lincoln’s luxury vehicles throughout his presidency and beyond.

LBJ’s Use of the Continental and His Infamous Ranch Antics

LBJ’s Lincoln Continental wasn’t just a means of transportation; it was a part of his larger-than-life persona. He frequently used it to drive around his Texas ranch, often accompanied by Secret Service agents, political allies, and journalists. Johnson was notorious for his love of Scotch, and according to Joseph A. Califano, Jr., his Special Assistant, the president had a unique way of ensuring his drink was never empty:

“In the early afternoon, the President, with me next to him in the front seat, took his white Lincoln convertible, top down, for a drive around the ranch. It was incredibly hot; the dust clouds made it hard to breathe. But there was relief. As we drove around, we were followed by a car and a station wagon with Secret Service agents.

The President drank Cutty Sark scotch and soda out of a large white plastic foam cup. Periodically, Johnson would slow down and hold his left arm outside the car, shaking the cup and ice. A Secret Service agent would run up to the car, take the cup and go back to the station wagon. There another agent would refill it with ice, scotch, and soda as the first agent trotted behind the wagon. Then the first agent would run the refilled cup up to LBJ’s outstretched and waiting hand, as the President’s car moved slowly along.”

 

Beyond the Continental, Johnson was also infamous for pranking guests with his Amphicar, an amphibious vehicle capable of driving on land and in water. He would take unsuspecting passengers for a "tour" around the ranch, then pretend the brakes had failed as the car plunged into a lake, sending his guests into a state of panic before revealing the joke.

The Legacy of LBJ’s Lincoln Continental

Johnson’s 1964 Lincoln Continental remains a significant piece of presidential and automotive history. It serves as a testament to the luxury, style, and personality of both the era and the man who owned it. The car has been carefully preserved and was refurbished in the early 2000s. Today, it remains a sought-after collector’s item.

Currently offered for sale out of Carrollton, Texas, the car includes a documented history file with images of LBJ himself driving it. It also comes with a magnetic sign that can be affixed to the door to highlight its presidential provenance, though it can be removed and stored when not in use.

For enthusiasts of classic American cars, presidential history, or both, LBJ’s 1964 Lincoln Continental convertible stands as a remarkable piece of history—a car that not only transported a president but also carried with it the legacy of a larger-than-life leader who left an indelible mark on American history.