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Presidential state car (United States)
Presidential state car (United States)
Presidential state car (United States)
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The current model of United States presidential state car, which debuted in September 2018

The United States presidential state car (nicknamed "the Beast",[1][2][3] "Cadillac One",[4][5] "First Car";[6] code named "Stagecoach"[7][8]) is the official state car of the president of the United States.

United States presidents embraced automotive technology in the early 20th century with President William Howard Taft's purchase of four cars and the conversion of the White House stables into a garage. Presidents rode in stock, unmodified cars until President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration bought the Sunshine Special, the first presidential state car to be built to United States Secret Service standards. Until the assassination of John F. Kennedy, presidential state cars frequently allowed the president to ride uncovered and exposed to the public. President Kennedy's assassination began a progression of increasingly armored and sealed cars; the 2009–2018 state car had five-inch (130 mm) bulletproof glass and was hermetically sealed with its own environmental system. Since 2018 the presidential state car has been a custom-built Cadillac.

Decommissioned presidential state cars are destroyed by the Secret Service for training and to protect their secrets. Late 20th-century and 21st-century presidential motorcades have consisted of 24–45 vehicles other than the presidential state car, including those for security, healthcare, the press, and route-clearing, among others.

The first president to ride in a car was President William McKinley, who briefly rode in a Stanley Motor Carriage Company steam car on July 13, 1901.[9] According to the United States Secret Service, it was customary for them to follow the presidential horse-and-buggy on foot, but that with the popularization of the automobile, the Secret Service purchased a 1907 White Motor Company steam car to follow President Theodore Roosevelt's horse-drawn carriage.[10] Roosevelt avoided riding in the vehicle due to his "image as a rough-riding horseman".[9]

William H. Taft

[edit]
Taft's 1911 White steamer

President William Howard Taft changed things at the White House, converting the stables there to a garage and purchasing a four-car fleet[9] on a budget of $12,000 (equivalent to about $420,000 in 2024):[11] two "luxurious" Pierce-Arrow cars, a Baker Motor Vehicle electric car, and a $4,000 (equivalent to about $140,000 in 2024) 1911 White Motor Company steam car. President Taft became a fan of the steam car when he discovered he could conceal himself from press photographers with a "carefully timed burst of steam."[9]

Woodrow Wilson

[edit]
One of three Pierce-Arrow cars purchased by Wilson's administration

President Woodrow Wilson was such a fan of the three Pierce-Arrow cars purchased by his administration that he bought one of them from the government for US$3,000 (equivalent to $52,886 in 2024) when he left office in 1921. President Warren G. Harding was the first president to use a car to drive to his inauguration, and was the first qualified driver to be elected president.[9] President Herbert Hoover had a Cadillac V-16.[11]

Franklin Roosevelt

[edit]

In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt bought a Ford V8 Phaeton coupe and had it equipped with hand controls in direct contravention of a Secret Service directive prohibiting sitting presidents from getting behind the wheel of a car.[9]

Sunshine Special
December 2013 at The Henry Ford
Overview
ManufacturerLincoln Motor Company
Body and chassis
ClassLimousine
PlatformLincoln K-series
Dimensions
Wheelbase160 inches (4,100 mm)
Curb weight9,300 pounds (4,200 kg)

In December 1939, President Roosevelt received a 1939 Lincoln Motor Company V12 convertible—the Sunshine Special.[9] The Sunshine Special (so named because the top was frequently open)[12] became the president's best-known automobile, the very first to be built to Secret Service specifications, and the first to be leased rather than bought.[9] Built on the chassis of the Lincoln K series,[12] the Sunshine Special has a 160-inch (4,100 mm) wheelbase, room for 10 passengers, rear suicide doors, heavy-duty suspension, two side-mounted spare tires, and standing platforms attached to the exterior to accommodate Secret Service agents.[9]

The Sunshine Special underwent two sets of modifications. In 1941 the car's top was lowered three inches (76 mm) out of aesthetic concerns. In 1942, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the car underwent the addition of armor, one-inch (25 mm) bulletproof glass, "metal-clad flat-proof inner tubes, a radio transceiver, a siren, red warning lights, and a compartment for submachine guns." After the second set of modifications, the car weighed 9,300 pounds (4,200 kg) and was six feet (1.8 m) longer.[9]

Truman/Eisenhower Lincoln Cosmopolitans

[edit]
Front and rear views of the "Bubble-top" (2013 & 2016, respectively)

Legend has it that Harry S. Truman held a grudge against General Motors because they would not give him use of their cars during his run for the 1948 presidential election; and, so, in 1950 he chose Lincoln to make the presidential state car.[12] The White House leased ten Lincoln Cosmopolitans.[9] The cars were modified by coachbuilders Henney Motor Company and Hess and Eisenhardt to provide extra security features[13] and extra headroom to accommodate the tall silk hats popular at the time, and were painted black. Nine of the automobiles had enclosed bodies, while the tenth was an armored convertible especially for President Truman. The tenth Cosmopolitan was 20 feet (6.1 m) long, 6.5 feet (2.0 m) wide, and weighed 6,500 pounds (2,900 kg), 1,700 pounds (770 kg) heavier than a stock Cosmopolitan.[9] All ten cars were outfitted with 152-horsepower (113 kW) V8 engines "with heavy-duty Hydra-Matic transmissions."[14] In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower had the Cosmopolitan convertible fitted with a Plexiglas roof that became known as the "Bubble-top"; it remained in presidential service until 1965,[9] and had approximately 105,942 miles (170,497 km) on the odometer as of May 2008.[15]

Kennedy Lincoln Continental

[edit]
X-100
The X-100 at The Henry Ford in 2016
Overview
ManufacturerLincoln Motor Company
Body and chassis
ClassLimousine
PlatformLincoln Continental
Dimensions
Curb weight9,800 pounds (4,400 kg)
Kennedy's state car in June 1963

President John F. Kennedy's 1961 Lincoln Continental was originally a stock car, built in Wixom, Michigan, and retailing for $7,347 (equivalent to $77,307 in 2024). The federal government leased it from the Ford Motor Company for $500 (equivalent to $5,261 in 2024) annually, and then commissioned Hess and Eisenhardt to modify it for presidential use—with a pricetag of $200,000 (equivalent to $2,104,454 in 2024). The convertible was painted "Presidential Blue Metallic", with silver metal flakes embedded within it; it was given the Secret Service code names of SS-100-X and X-100.[16]

The dark-blue car included a "heavy-duty heater and air conditioner, a pair of radiotelephones, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, and a siren."[9] The stock car was stretched 3.5 feet (1.1 m) to accommodate a foldable center row of forward-facing jump seats.[16] The exterior featured retractable standing platforms and handles for Secret Service agents, and flashing red lights recessed into the bumper. Unique to the X-100 were three removable roofs (made of fabric, lightweight metal, and transparent plastic) and a hydraulic lift that could raise the rear cushion 10+1⁄2 inches (270 mm) off the floor. Both of these feature sets were designed to make the president more visible to the public, but they also increased the president's vulnerability—a factor in the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy.[9]

After the assassination, the "Death Car" (as named by the Associated Press), was rebuilt in an operation named "The Quick Fix". Hess and Eisenhardt, the Secret Service, the United States Army Materials and Mechanics Research Center, PPG Industries, and Ford engineers all collaborated to strip the limousine and make substantial improvements. In an effort to prevent "ghoulish collectors" from obtaining discarded car parts, they were destroyed.[16] For an estimated cost of $500,000, the car was painted black; received improved telecommunications gear; its fuel tank was protected against explosion by a "porous foam matrix" that minimized spillage in the event of a puncture; and the passenger compartment was protected by 1,600 pounds (730 kg) of armor. The three removable roofs were replaced by a fixed glass enclosure that cost more than $125,000; the glass enclosure was made of 13 different pieces of bulletproof glass ranging in thickness from 1 to 1+13⁄16 inches (25 to 46 mm), and was then the largest piece of curved bulletproof glass ever made.[9] Titanium armor was added to the body of the car, the standard windows were made bullet-resistant with sandwiched layers of glass and polycarbonate vinyl, and prototype aluminum run-flat tires were added.[16] To compensate for the 25 percent increase in weight—to 9,800 pounds (4,400 kg)—the upgraded car received a hand-built 350-horsepower (260 kW) V8 engine, providing 17 percent more power.[15]

The modified X-100 in 2013

In 1967, the car was modified again with an upgraded air conditioning system, an openable rear-door window, and structural enhancement to the rear deck.[9] Despite successive presidential state cars being built and delivered to the White House, the X-100 continued to be occasionally used by Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter until it was retired from service in early 1977. As of March 2021, it was publicly exhibited at The Henry Ford museum in Dearborn, Michigan.[17]

The plates from Kennedy's car

The license plates (DC plates, "GG-300") were removed from the X-100 when the vehicle was upgraded after the Kennedy shooting. When they were auctioned in 2015, they sold for $100,000 (equivalent to $132,655 in 2024).[18]

1967 Lincoln Continental

[edit]

President Johnson preferred white convertibles, but "concerns for protocol and safety" had him receiving a black 1967 Lincoln Continental as his state car. The hardtop cost the Ford Motor Company about $500,000 (equivalent to about $4,720,000 in 2024), which leased it to the federal government for an annual cost of $1 (equivalent to $9.43 in 2024). With 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg) of armor, "a bubble top thicker than the protective cockpit of an F-16 fighter", and a 340-horsepower (250 kW) V8 engine, the 11,000-pound (5,000 kg) car could still reach speeds of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) — or 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) with four flat tires.[19] According to White House spokespeople, President Johnson's car was not equipped with a television, though several of his cabinet members' were.[20] This car also served Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Carter, and traveled to 32 nations before it was retired in the mid-to-late 1970s. In 1996, the Ford Motor Company restored the car to its original state and donated it to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in recognition of its use during several of his most-significant presidential trips.[19]

1972 Lincoln Continental

[edit]
The 1972-model car

A modified, 22-foot (6.7 m),[9] 13,000-pound (5,900 kg)[12] 1972 Lincoln Continental was delivered to the White House in 1974. The six-passenger limousine was leased from the Ford Motor Company for US$5,000 (equivalent to $31,879 in 2024) per year. The fully loaded automobile had a 460-cubic-inch (7.5 L), 214-horsepower (160 kW) V8 engine; external microphones to allow occupants to hear outside noises; full armor plate; bulletproof glass; and racks for the Secret Service to store submachine guns.[9]

The 1972 Lincoln limousine in 2016

The car was used by Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush.[21] By 1974, the car was typically transported by the United States Air Force in a Lockheed C-141 Starlifter cargo plane at an hourly jet fuel cost of 1,800 US gallons (6,800 L; 1,500 imp gal). Because security concerns legally mandated its use by the president, political parties were not required to reimburse the government for its use during political campaigns.[22] It was the vehicle in which Ford was shot at by Sara Jane Moore in 1975.[9] During the March 1981 attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan, the car was hit by the last two of six gunshots, which respectively damaged the bulletproof window of the right rear passenger's door, and ricocheted off the back-right quarter panel before striking the president. The car then transported Reagan to George Washington University Hospital.[23] After the 1981 shooting, the car was returned to Ford to receive a new interior,[24] front sheet metal, and 1979 Lincoln grille.[21]

The 1972 car left service in 1992 with 40,617 miles (65,367 km) on its odometer.[15] After maintenance and care in 2008, The Henry Ford measured the car at 259 inches (6,600 mm) long, 79.6 inches (2,020 mm) wide, 61.1 inches (1,550 mm) tall, at 10,440 pounds (4,740 kg), with a wheelbase of 161 inches (4,100 mm).[21]

1983 Cadillac Fleetwood

[edit]
The 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood

The next presidential state car was a 1983 Cadillac that was delivered on January 30, 1984.[9] This Cadillac Fleetwood is 17 inches (430 mm) longer and 3 inches (76 mm) taller than the stock Fleetwood. It featured armor and bulletproof glass (2+3⁄8 inches [60 mm] thick),[12] and was described as "distinctively styled, with a raised roof and a large rear greenhouse." To compensate for the weight of the armor, the car had oversized wheels and tires, heavy-duty brakes, and an automatic leveling system.[9]

1989 Lincoln Town Car

[edit]
The 1989 Lincoln Town Car

A 1989 Lincoln Town Car, 22 feet (6.7 m) long and more than 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, was delivered to the White House on request of the George H.W. Bush administration. It featured an extra section behind the B pillar, containing rear facing seats, a redesigned E-pillar with forward facing seats, as well as a raised roof[25].[9]

Clinton Cadillac Fleetwood

[edit]
The 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood

President Bill Clinton used a 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood as his presidential state car. It is currently on display at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, where it sits with all its doors closed to the public. Museum curator Christine Mouw noted that they can "dust the outside of the car, but if we needed to get inside it, we would have to contact the regional Secret Service office".[6]

CNN interviewed Joe Funk, a former Secret Service agent and driver of Clinton's presidential state car during part of his tenure. Funk described a dichotomy of the car: while the president is wholly cut off from the outside world by the armor and bulletproof glass of the vehicle, he has at his fingertips communication capabilities including phones, satellite communications, and the Internet.[10]

2001–2009 custom Cadillac

[edit]
George W. Bush's limousine in 2008

In 2001, for the first inauguration of George W. Bush, Cadillac no longer produced a car suitable for conversion into a presidential limousine.[12] The additional armor and amenities that were added to the state car by the Secret Service taxed previous presidential limousines beyond their limits, resulting in failing transmissions and short-lived brakes. The George W. Bush state car was instead designed from the ground-up by "an R&D arm of General Motors in Detroit" to meet Secret Service specifications.[26]

"[I]nformed speculation" had President George W. Bush's Cadillac Deville actually based on the chassis of General Motors' line of full-size sport utility vehicles such as the "Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon[,] and Cadillac Escalade." This "Deville" featured five-inch (130 mm) armored doors, and "bulletproof glass so thick it blocks out parts of the light spectrum." Rumored components of the car were sealed passenger compartments with their own air supply, run-flat tires, and a 454-cubic-inch (7.44 L) engine.[12] Confirmed accessories include "an integrated 10-disc CD changer, a foldaway desktop[,] and reclining rear seats with massaging, adaptive cushions."[4] This presidential state car was estimated to weigh approximately 14,000 pounds (6,400 kg).[12]

Bush's presidential state car was nicknamed "The Beast", a name that persisted through the first presidency of Donald Trump. When traveling, President Bush took along two of the armored limousines (flown by either C-5 or C-17), one for use and one for backup. This proved fortuitous during a 2007 trip to Rome where one of the presidential state cars stalled for five minutes on a street; the car was restarted, but was replaced with the backup limousine after President Bush reached his destination.[2] Sometimes, President Bush would instead use vehicles already present at his destination such as embassy motor pool cars or military assets, rather than transporting the presidential state car. The president never used non-American-governmental vehicles when overseas.[27]

2009–2018 custom Cadillac

[edit]
A black Cadillac limousine is at a 45-degree angle, showing to the camera its front and starboard sides. Two small flagpoles are mounted to the front fenders, one flying a US flag with gold fringe.
A black Cadillac limousine is at a 45-degree angle, showing to the camera its rear and starboard sides. The trunk sports two antennae, there is a presidential seal on the rear passenger door, and the license plate is numbered "800 002".
The 2009–2018 car

The 2009–2018 presidential state car went into service on January 20, 2009, and drove President Obama the two miles (3.2 km) down Pennsylvania Avenue from his first inauguration to the inaugural parade. A Cadillac, the presidential state car was not based on any single model of car,[10] though it had the "dual-textured grille and the dinner plate-sized Cadillac coat-of-arms badge" emblematic of the Cadillac CTS and the Cadillac Escalade. The headlights and taillights were identical to those used on other Cadillac production models. Anton Goodwin of CNET's Road/Show blog noted that speculation was that the presidential state car was based on the GMC Topkick platform.[5]

In 2009, Goodwin assumed the car would feature either a gasoline-powered 8.1-liter (490 cu in) V8 General Motors Vortec engine or a diesel-powered Duramax 6.6-liter (400 cu in) turbo V8 engine.[5] Autoweek magazine asserted in 2013 that the car ran on a gasoline-fueled engine.[26]

This presidential state car was also believed to be much heavier than its predecessor as it is equipped with Goodyear Regional RHS tires that are usually reserved for medium- and heavy-duty trucks; speculated weights range from 15,000 to 20,000 pounds (6,800 to 9,100 kg).[12] Due to the weight of the car, it could only reach about 60 mph (97 km/h), and only achieved 3.7 to 8 miles per US gallon (64 to 29 L/100 km; 4.4 to 9.6 mpg‑imp).[3][26] The limousine was reported to cost between $300,000 and $1,500,000 (equivalent to about $400,000–2,000,000 in 2024).[1][26] The presidential state car was maintained by the United States Secret Service.[28]

Barack Obama and Joe Biden riding in a presidential state car (July 2010)

The car had more five-inch (130 mm)[29] bulletproof glass than the previous model. It also had run-flat tires and an interior that was completely sealed to protect the occupants in the event of a chemical attack.[30] The 2009 presidential state car model had night vision optics, a tear gas cannon, onboard oxygen tanks, an armored fuel tank filled with foam to prevent explosion, and pump-action shotguns.[1][26] Whether it was[29] or was not armed with rocket-propelled grenades,[26] the car featured eight-inch (200 mm) doors.[10]

General Motors spokeswoman Joanne K. Krell said of the presidential state car, "The presidential vehicle is built to precise and special specifications, undergoes extreme testing and development, and also incorporates many of the top aspects of Cadillac's 'regular' cars—such as signature design, hand-cut-and-sewn interiors, etc."[10] The curator of The Henry Ford told The Dallas Morning News that President Obama's state car was "a tank with a Cadillac badge."[16]

Washington, D.C. license plate

In 2013, the presidential state car was outfitted with standard Washington, D.C. license plates that read "TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION" in reference to the district's lack of representation in the United States Congress. The switch came after the D.C. city council petitioned President Obama to use the plates on his motorcade, which would be seen by millions of people as he headed down Pennsylvania Avenue for his second inauguration.[31]

Current state car

[edit]
"The Beast"
A current-model state car in January 2021
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Body and chassis
ClassLimousine
PlatformGMC TopKick
Dimensions
Curb weight15,000–20,000 pounds
(6,800–9,100 kilograms)
Chronology
Predecessor2009–2018 version

Development

[edit]

When first commissioned by the Secret Service in 2014,[32] General Motors (GM) was awarded three contracts for the new limousine. Each state car was expected to cost US$1–1.5 million, and by January 2016, GM had been paid $15,800,765 (equivalent to $20,701,807 in 2024) for its work on the new model.[33]

After prototypes of the new model were seen driven on public roads wrapped in monochromatic multi-scale camouflage, Cadillac confirmed to Fox News that "We've completed our task and we've handed over the vehicle to the customer". The Secret Service confirmed that the program to replace the presidential car was "on track and on schedule" and should be in service by late summer 2018. Fox News' Gary Gastelu opined that the camouflaged prototype looked similar to the Cadillac CT6.[34]

Realization

[edit]
Joe and Jill Biden in 2021

Still nicknamed "the Beast",[32] as established with the 2001–2009 model,[2] the current model debuted with a trip by President Trump to New York City on September 24, 2018. Road & Track reported that "the design appears to be a simple evolution of the old model with more current Cadillac design cues, like an Escalade sedan." Road & Track described the state car as "massive and tall", and weighing 15,000–20,000 pounds (6,800–9,100 kg).[35]

NBC News reported a weight of 20,000 pounds and the capacity to seat seven, and speculated that the limousine was intended to evoke the aesthetic of the Cadillac XT6.[32] Car and Driver said that the car was built on the GMC TopKick platform, weighs as much as 15,000 pounds, has the headlamps from the Cadillac Escalade, and the grille emblematic of the Cadillac Escala concept car.[36] The car is approximately six feet (1.8 m) tall.[37]

In addition to defensive measures designed to protect the president, this state car has stores of blood in the president's type for medical emergencies. The car is hermetically sealed against chemical attacks, and features run-flat tires, night-vision devices, smoke screens, and oil slicks as defensive measures against attackers. NBC reported that the car features armor made of aluminum, ceramic, and steel; the exterior walls have a thickness of eight inches (200 mm), the windows are multi-layered and five inches (130 mm) thick, and each door[32]—believed to be one foot (0.30 m) thick[37] and weigh as much as those on a Boeing 757—can electrify its handles to deter entry.[32]

As of May 2019, the current model was used alongside the previous model.[38]

Destruction

[edit]

In the late 20th century, it was customary for the United States Secret Service to participate in the destruction of the presidential state car after it had run its course. The federal agents use bullets and explosive rounds for two purposes. The first is to demonstrate the automobile's effectiveness against such weaponry, while the second is to shred the vehicle and destroy the secrets of its manufacture, armoring, and defensive abilities.[9]

Presidential motorcades

[edit]
Presidential motorcade crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in March 2023

Motorcades involving the presidential state car are detailed, involved operations.[3]

Upon the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the motorcade consisted of four motorcycle escorts, three buses, and over 17 cars (including the presidential state car).[39] Motorcades under President George W. Bush involved up to two dozen cars.[2] Under President Obama they constituted 30 other vehicles,[3] including police cars to lead the motorcade and clear the streets; sport utility vehicles to carry the United States Secret Service detail, electronic countermeasures, key staff, a Secret Service Counter Assault Team, "hazardous-materials-mitigation" personnel and equipment, and White House Communications Agency personnel; press vans; an ambulance; and more.[7]

The presidential state car is maintained by the United States Secret Service. Other support vehicles in the president's motorcade are maintained by the White House Military Office.[28] Due to difficulty in organizing motorcades, helicopters (Marine One) are preferred.[1]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Presidential state car (United States)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The presidential state car of the United States is a custom-built, heavily armored limousine operated by the United States Secret Service to transport the President securely during official motorcades and public appearances, serving as a mobile command center equipped with advanced defensive and communication technologies. Its design prioritizes ballistic and chemical protection, self-sufficiency in fuel and oxygen, and rapid medical response capabilities, reflecting iterative enhancements driven by historical assassination attempts and evolving security threats. The vehicle's nickname, "The Beast," underscores its imposing 20,000-pound weight, fortified chassis derived from military truck components, and classified features that render many specifications non-public. Introduced in its modern form in 2018 and based on a platform, the current iteration continues a tradition that began with President William Howard Taft's adoption of automobiles for official use in 1909, marking the shift from horse-drawn carriages to motorized transport amid growing public mobility. Early vehicles lacked armor, but post-1930s innovations, including Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1939 with , escalated protective measures following threats like the 1933 attack on Roosevelt and the 1963 in an open . Subsequent models under presidents Eisenhower, Reagan, and others incorporated bubble tops, reinforced , and encrypted systems, culminating in the post-9/11 emphasis on standalone survivability without reliance on external infrastructure. While costing millions per unit and produced exclusively by under strict government contracts, the state car symbolizes executive authority and national resilience, though its opacity has sparked debates over transparency in taxpayer-funded security expenditures.

Historical Development

Origins and Initial Adoption (1909–1920s)

Prior to the administration of William Howard Taft, United States presidents relied on horse-drawn carriages for official transportation, reflecting the dominance of equine power in early 20th-century mobility. Taft, inaugurated in 1909, became the first to embrace automobiles for presidential duties, commissioning the construction of the White House's first garage that year to house a fleet of vehicles. Congress appropriated funds for three automobiles, but Taft acquired four: a White Model M steam-powered touring car, two Pierce-Arrow limousines, and a Baker electric victoria phaeton, marking the initial shift toward motorized state transport. His preference for the White steamer, capable of rapid speeds, underscored his enthusiasm for the technology's potential. Under (1913–1921), the presidential fleet continued to incorporate luxury automobiles, with Pierce-Arrow models gaining prominence for their reliability and comfort. In 1919, following Wilson's return from the Paris Peace Conference, a new Pierce-Arrow limousine was added to the garage, which he favored for its smooth ride during recovery from illness. Friends later purchased this vehicle for Wilson upon his departure from office, highlighting its personal significance beyond mere utility. These early adoptions prioritized open-top or semi-enclosed designs suited to parades and public appearances, without the armored features that would emerge later. Warren G. Harding (1921–1923) further normalized automotive use by becoming the first president to travel to and from his inauguration in a car on March 4, 1921, utilizing a he had owned as a senator and supplemented with a new $9,000 model. This period saw the fleet expand with additional high-end vehicles like Pierce-Arrows, reflecting growing acceptance of cars as symbols of progress and efficiency in executive transport. By the mid-1920s, under , automobiles had supplanted horses entirely for presidential processions, solidifying their role in state functions despite occasional reliance on stables for ceremonial purposes.

Emergence of Armored Designs (1930s–1940s)

The emergence of armored presidential vehicles in the United States began during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency amid escalating security threats from domestic unrest during the Great Depression and the onset of World War II. Prior to the 1930s, presidential cars like those used by Herbert Hoover were unarmored convertibles or sedans designed primarily for visibility rather than protection. Roosevelt's physical disability from polio necessitated adaptations for mobility, such as rear compartments to conceal his wheelchair, but initial vehicles lacked systematic armor. A temporary precursor occurred in , immediately after the attack, when utilized a 1928 sedan seized from gangster in 1932, equipped with though its body remained unarmored. This marked an ad hoc response to heightened wartime risks, prioritizing rapid deployment over custom design. The vehicle's use underscored the urgent need for protective features as the U.S. entered global conflict, prompting the transition to purpose-modified official limousines. The definitive shift came in early 1942 with the armoring of the 1939 Lincoln Model K , dubbed the "Sunshine Special" for its retractable top allowing Roosevelt to greet crowds. Originally custom-built by Brunn & Company with a 414-cubic-inch V-12 producing 150 horsepower, a 161-inch , and features like a siren and "POLICE/DO NOT PASS" signage, the car was returned to the Lincoln factory post-Pearl Harbor for upgrades including armor plating, bullet-resistant glass, run-flat tires, and a . These modifications increased its weight from approximately 7,800 pounds to over 9,000 pounds, necessitating reinforced suspension and brakes. The Sunshine Special served as the primary presidential state car through Roosevelt's death in 1945 and into Harry S. Truman's administration until 1950, establishing armored construction as a standard for future designs driven by persistent threats of and .

Post-War Standardization with Lincolns (1950s)

Following World War II, President Harry S. Truman sought to modernize the presidential fleet, commissioning nine custom 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan convertible limousines in 1950 for official state use. These vehicles represented a shift toward standardized luxury American sedans, building on the Lincoln tradition established during Franklin D. Roosevelt's tenure with models like the 1939 Lincoln K-series. Constructed with extended wheelbases and reinforced chassis for Secret Service requirements, the limousines prioritized open-top configurations to facilitate public visibility during parades and motorcades, while incorporating basic armor plating that could be removed for lighter weight. The 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitans measured approximately 21 feet in length, powered by a 337 cubic-inch producing 152 horsepower, and featured custom modifications including run-flat tires and reinforced doors for enhanced durability. This fleet standardization under Truman ensured a consistent supply of reliable, domestically produced vehicles capable of supporting the expanded presidential travel demands of the post-war era, including international and domestic events. Unlike wartime models with fixed heavy armoring, these Lincolns balanced security with accessibility, reflecting a that emphasized symbolic openness over impenetrable . President inherited and extensively utilized the Truman-era Lincoln fleet upon taking office in 1953, continuing the Lincoln preference through the decade. In 1954, at Eisenhower's direction, one such convertible received a custom plexiglass dome roof—dubbed the "Bubbletop"—fabricated from Lexan for transparent overhead protection against weather and light threats, allowing the president to remain visible to crowds without full enclosure. This innovation, applied to multiple vehicles in the fleet, marked an incremental security evolution amid tensions, while preserving the aesthetic of presidential pomp; the Bubbletop Lincolns served until the early .

Assassination-Driven Enhancements (1960s)

The assassination of President on November 22, 1963, in , Texas, highlighted the vulnerabilities of the open-top 1961 convertible, designated SS-100-X by , which lacked armor plating, , or a permanent roof, exposing the president during motorcades. This unarmored vehicle, originally equipped only with removable steel and transparent plastic roof panels, a hydraulic rear seat raising 10.5 inches for visibility, and basic communications, weighed approximately 7,800 pounds and prioritized public engagement over protection. The incident prompted to overhaul presidential transportation security, mandating enclosed designs with fixed hardtops to eliminate convertibles entirely, as open vehicles were deemed too risky for future use. In response, the SS-100-X was immediately impounded as evidence before being sent to Hess & Eisenhardt in , , for extensive retrofitting, completed and returned to Secret Service custody in May 1964. Modifications included full-body armor , a permanent bulletproof , thicker bullet-resistant glass, an explosion-proof fuel tank, and run-flat tires, increasing the vehicle's weight by about 1 ton to roughly 9,800 pounds and repainting it black from its original navy blue. These upgrades transformed it into a semi-armored for President , though its design still allowed limited visibility features like the hydraulic seat, balancing security with ceremonial needs. Further enhancements in the mid-1960s extended to new models commissioned from Ford, incorporating stretched chassis for added passenger space, reinforced structural elements, and integrated defensive capabilities such as siren systems and external agent platforms, though still weighing under 10,000 pounds. By 1967, the SS-100-X received additional updates, including an improved system, an openable rear-door for communication, and rear deck reinforcements to enhance durability against impacts. These assassination-driven changes marked a causal shift toward prioritizing ballistic resistance and enclosure over aesthetics, influencing protocols to require all presidential state cars to feature multi-layer armor and sealed cabins, setting precedents for escalating fortifications in subsequent decades. ![1961 Lincoln Continental SS-100-X, the presidential limousine involved in the Kennedy assassination]float-right

Iterative Improvements Amid Threats (1970s–1980s)

The 1972 Presidential Limousine, introduced in 1974 for use by President and subsequent administrations, embodied incremental advancements in armored passenger protection developed in response to ongoing security threats. Constructed by Ford's Special Vehicles Engineering Department on a modified 1972 sedan , the vehicle measured 22 feet in length with a 161-inch , weighed approximately 13,000 pounds, and was powered by a 460 producing 224 horsepower. Its design incorporated thick armor plating throughout the body, multi-layered bullet-resistant glass up to 5 inches thick in critical areas, and inserts to maintain mobility under fire, building directly on post-1963 modifications to earlier models by enhancing material durability and without altering the fundamental Lincoln aesthetic. Additional features included a hydraulically operated rear bumper that folded down to form steps for secure entry and exit, reinforced doors weighing over 150 pounds each, and an independent air supply system to counter chemical or smoke threats. This served Presidents Nixon, , , and initially , accumulating mileage across 32 countries during its operational life. It withstood direct involvement in multiple assassination attempts, demonstrating the efficacy of its protective measures while exposing limitations. On September 5, 1975, in , would-be assassin Lynette "Squeaky" pointed a Colt .45 at Ford from close range near the limousine but failed to chamber a round, allowing Secret Service agents to intervene without the vehicle sustaining damage. Seventeen days later, on September 22 in , Sara Jane fired a single .38 shot at Ford from about 40 feet away as he entered the limousine; the bullet missed, striking a spectator instead, and the armored enclosure ensured Ford's safe evacuation at speeds exceeding 100 mph. The vehicle's most severe test occurred on March 30, 1981, outside the Washington Hilton Hotel, when John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots from a Röhm RG-14 .22 revolver at Reagan as he approached the open rear door. One bullet ricocheted off the limousine's stainless steel rear quarter panel, penetrating Reagan's lung and narrowly missing his heart, while others wounded Press Secretary James Brady and Secret Service Agent Timothy McCarthy; the armor deflected direct impacts without breach, enabling rapid transport to George Washington University Hospital. Post-incident analysis by the Secret Service revealed that the ricochet exploited a gap in protection during passenger ingress, prompting refinements such as improved door sequencing mechanisms and enhanced underbody shielding against small-arms fire, though the core 1972 design remained in service through Reagan's early term due to procurement delays for successors. These events underscored the trade-offs in balancing visibility for public engagement with ballistic resistance, driving iterative engineering focused on sealing vulnerabilities while preserving operational reliability amid escalating domestic threats from radical groups and isolated actors.

Custom Builds in the Post-Cold War Era (1990s–2000s)

The administration of George H. W. Bush utilized a custom-built 1989 Lincoln Town Car-based presidential limousine, which incorporated an extended body section behind the B-pillar, rear-facing seats, a raised roof, and redesigned doors to accommodate armor plating and enhance occupant protection. This design temporarily deviated from the prevailing Cadillac preference, although several armored Cadillac vehicles from the Reagan era continued in the fleet for redundancy. Under President , commissioned custom 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood limousines, featuring armored construction, rear-facing seating, an elevated roofline for improved headroom, and bespoke body panels to integrate defensive systems seamlessly. By 1996, three fully armored Presidential Series vehicles were produced specifically for Clinton's motorcades, marking the final iteration of presidential state cars derived closely from standard production chassis before shifting to more proprietary platforms. These limousines maintained a fleet approach, with multiple units ensuring availability for domestic and international duties. For George W. Bush's early presidency, a 2001 Cadillac limousine based on ' GMT truck platform—similar to the —entered service, boasting a three-row interior configuration, heightened for visibility, and custom bodywork optimized for armor weight distribution. This evolved into the 2005 Cadillac DTS Presidential State Car, a handcrafted armored stretch unveiled at Bush's second inauguration on , 2005, with dimensions extended to approximately 18 feet in length, wider stance, and taller profile compared to civilian DTS models. The DTS fleet, numbering up to a vehicles, incorporated classified enhancements for post-9/11 threat environments, including redundant backups transported via C-5 or C-17 aircraft for foreign travel, underscoring the era's focus on operational resilience.

Modern Custom Cadillacs and Security Escalation (2009–Present)

The modern era of the U.S. presidential state car began in 2009 with the introduction of a heavily customized Cadillac limousine, officially designated Cadillac One but popularly known as "The Beast," for President Barack Obama's inauguration. Built by General Motors in collaboration with the U.S. Secret Service, this vehicle weighed approximately 20,000 pounds and featured advanced armor plating, run-flat tires, and self-contained oxygen supplies to counter chemical or biological threats. The design prioritized survivability against ballistic, explosive, and radiological attacks, reflecting post-9/11 security imperatives that demanded vehicles capable of withstanding roadside bombs and sniper fire akin to military-grade protection. Security features escalated with integrated countermeasures, including grenade launchers accessible from inside, night-vision systems, and a sealed cabin with independent air filtration, though exact specifications remain classified to prevent exploitation by adversaries. The limousine's , reportedly a V8 or V12 producing over 700 horsepower, enabled a top speed of around 60 mph despite its mass, with fuel efficiency as low as 6-8 . Multiple identical units form the fleet to obscure the lead , enhancing operational during motorcades. In 2018, a redesigned version debuted during President Donald Trump's term, modeled after the Cadillac CT6 sedan but extensively modified with thicker armor—estimated at up to 8 inches in places—and upgraded electronics for improved communications and electronic warfare resistance. Commissioned around , this iteration incorporated lessons from global threat assessments, including enhanced underbody protection against improvised explosive devices and advanced tire systems to handle punctures from high-caliber rounds. The per-unit cost exceeded $1.5 million, with development expenses reaching $15 million, underscoring the escalating investment in presidential protection amid rising asymmetric threats. This 2018 model continued in service through the administrations of Trump and President Joe Biden, with deployments such as Biden's 2021 inauguration highlighting its robustness. Recent developments include Secret Service discussions with GM in March 2025 for a next-generation , potentially based on the platform, following prototype testing observed in September 2024; these upgrades aim to address emerging cyber vulnerabilities and hybrid threats, maintaining the trend of iterative fortification without public disclosure of precise enhancements. The focus on custom builds persists due to GM's proven integration with Secret Service requirements, ensuring interoperability with escort vehicles while balancing mobility and defense.

Design and Engineering Features

Chassis, Powertrain, and Mobility

The of modern presidential state cars, such as the Cadillac-based "The Beast," utilizes a custom heavy-duty frame manufactured by to accommodate the vehicle's extreme weight—approximately 20,000 to 22,000 pounds—and integrated armor systems. This reinforced structure incorporates bomb-resistant underbody plating and maintains rigidity for off-road capability in emergencies, diverging from standard passenger car platforms to prioritize durability over conventional automotive handling. The centers on a for its superior torque-to-weight ratio, essential for accelerating the laden vehicle; the current model employs a modified 6.6-liter Duramax V8 , delivering robust low-RPM power suited to frequent stops and starts in motorcades. Paired with a heavy-duty , this setup ensures reliable propulsion under load, though exact output figures remain classified to prevent exploitation by adversaries. capacity exceeds 30 gallons in self-sealing tanks, enabling extended range without refueling vulnerabilities. Mobility features emphasize survivability over speed, with run-flat tires reinforced by and steel belts—sized comparably to those on buses—allowing sustained travel at operational speeds even after multiple punctures or shredding. Top speed is capped at roughly 60 mph to balance security protocols and engine longevity, while and wide-track geometry provide stability during high-threat evasion maneuvers. These attributes reflect a design philosophy favoring controlled, armored progression in urban environments rather than high-performance agility.

Armor, Materials, and Defensive Capabilities

The armor of the presidential state car utilizes a composite of military-grade materials including steel, aluminum, titanium, and ceramics, forming multi-layered plating up to eight inches thick to withstand ballistic impacts and explosive threats. This construction contributes to the vehicle's weight of approximately eight to ten tons, enhancing resistance against high-caliber firearms and improvised explosive devices through armored body panels and reinforced undercarriage. Bulletproof glass, typically three to five inches thick, encases the passenger compartment, providing transparency while blocking projectiles; post-1963 modifications to earlier models introduced such glazing alongside plating to address vulnerabilities exposed during the Kennedy . Tires feature run-flat technology, enabling sustained operation after multiple punctures at speeds up to 50 miles per hour for limited distances. Defensive systems extend to a hermetically sealed cabin with independent oxygen supply and positive pressure filtration to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents, alongside and night-vision driving aids for low-visibility operations. The design incorporates potential active countermeasures, such as deployable dispensers, though exact configurations remain classified by the to preserve operational security. Armored flooring specifically mitigates underbody blast effects from roadside bombs.

Interior Layout, Communications, and Self-Sufficiency

The interior of the presidential state car accommodates up to seven passengers, including the president, agents, and the president's military physician, with configurations prioritizing secure seating for key personnel amid armored bulkheads and reinforced partitions. Plush seats provide comfort during transit, supplemented by practical amenities such as holders, while the presidential seal is emblazoned on interior passenger doors for official identification. Earlier models incorporated fold-out desks for in-transit work, though current designs emphasize compactness within the vehicle's 20,000-pound frame built on a truck chassis. Communications systems integrate state-of-the-art encrypted satellite and radio links, enabling direct connectivity to the Situation Room, , and U.S. Strategic Command for real-time coordination during motorcades or crises. These setups support transmission of nuclear launch codes and maintain secure channels with escort vehicles, including the Roadrunner mobile command unit, ensuring uninterrupted command authority even in denied environments. To counter the soundproofing from thick armor plating—up to eight inches on doors and five inches on windows—exterior microphones feed audio to interior speakers, allowing occupants to monitor ambient threats without compromising cabin integrity. Self-sufficiency features render the vehicle a mobile fortress capable of sustaining operations independent of external support for extended periods, particularly under chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) attack scenarios. A hermetically sealed cabin includes an onboard oxygen generation system and filtration to protect against airborne contaminants, while run-flat tires and a self-sealing, foam-filled prevent mobility loss from punctures or incendiary strikes. Medical autonomy is bolstered by a stocked with the president's specific for immediate transfusions, alongside comprehensive trauma kits maintained by the embedded physician; additional provisions reportedly include defensive armaments like shotguns accessible to agents, though exact inventories remain classified. These elements collectively enable the to function as a self-contained pod, with design redundancies derived from military-grade engineering to prioritize occupant preservation over conventional automotive norms.

Performance Trade-Offs and Limitations

The extensive armor, reinforced , and defensive systems integrated into the presidential state car impose substantial performance penalties due to its weight, which exceeds pounds—comparable to a armored rather than a standard . This mass demands a heavily modified , such as a diesel producing over 500 horsepower, yet remains sluggish at approximately 15 seconds to reach 60 mph, prioritizing occupant protection over rapid evasion capabilities. Top speed is electronically capped at around 60 mph to safeguard the integrity of run-flat tires, thick ballistic glass, and underbody plating under high-stress conditions, limiting the vehicle's utility in scenarios requiring high-velocity pursuits or escapes. further underscores these compromises, averaging 4 to 8 miles per gallon in urban operations, as the diesel or powerplant labors against the vehicle's tonnage, necessitating frequent refueling from onboard reserves or support vehicles. Maneuverability is constrained by the limousine's elongated 18-foot length and wide stance, which hinder tight turns and low-speed handling in congested environments, rendering it dependent on the broader for perimeter defense rather than independent agility. These limitations reflect a deliberate favoring impenetrable —capable of withstanding RPGs, IEDs, and chemical agents—over automotive dynamism, as excessive speed could compromise armor adhesion or expose vulnerabilities in joints and seals.

Operational Deployment

Integration in Presidential Motorcades

The presidential state car, designated as "Cadillac One" or "The Beast," serves as the centerpiece of the motorcade's secure package, positioned centrally to maximize protection while enabling the president's mobility and command functions. This integration relies on a layered formation coordinated by the United States Secret Service, typically comprising 30 to 50 vehicles—expandable to 85 for high-threat events—drawn from a fleet of approximately 12 to 20 armored limousines pre-positioned domestically and abroad via military cargo aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster. The limousine's advanced communications suite, including secure links for nuclear authentication codes, interfaces directly with lead vehicles and overhead assets like counter-assault helicopters, ensuring real-time threat assessment and route adjustments. Preceding the secure package, pilot cars and sweepers—often local police motorcycles and cruisers—clear the route minutes to seconds ahead, followed by a lead car, typically a Secret Service Chevrolet Suburban, which scouts for hazards and signals stops via integrated signaling systems. Immediately flanking and trailing the state car are identical spare limousines, employing a "shell game" tactic where vehicles swap positions en route to obscure the president's exact location from potential assailants. These are augmented by "Halfback" SUVs carrying additional agents, "Watchtower" vehicles equipped with signal jammers and radar domes for electronic countermeasures, and Counter Assault Team (CAT) Suburbans stocked with heavy weaponry for rapid perimeter defense. The rear of the motorcade reinforces containment with a dedicated for immediate medical response—matching the 's onboard blood reserves—and guard vehicles to seal the against pursuit, while press vans trail under controlled access to minimize exposure. Overseas operations may substitute armored Humvees or Suburbans for the in high-risk zones, adapting the package to while maintaining the core protective envelope. All drivers, elite Secret Service personnel, undergo rigorous training on evasive maneuvers, with the formation's fluidity allowing reconfiguration based on , such as deploying screens or tire-deflating devices from the state car itself if engaged. This orchestration transforms the into a mobile fortress, prioritizing causal deterrence through overwhelming redundancy and firepower over overt speed.

Fleet Management and Escort Vehicles

The manages the presidential fleet, which includes multiple identical custom-built limousines to ensure operational redundancy and prevent predictability in configurations. The fleet consists of approximately 12 to 20 such vehicles, allowing for rotation, maintenance, and simultaneous deployment for domestic and international travel. These limousines are stored at secure facilities across the and transported via specialized methods, including , ships, and rail cars modified for secure haulage, to support the president's schedule without compromising security. Maintenance involves rigorous testing for armor integrity, communications systems, and features, with vehicles cycled out of service periodically to distribute wear and facilitate upgrades. Escort vehicles form the bulk of the motorcade, typically comprising 24 to 45 additional units beyond the presidential limousine, drawn from assets, local , and sometimes rented commercial vehicles. Key components include lead and pilot cars for route scouting, armed SUVs such as Chevrolet Suburbans equipped with heavy weaponry and medical response capabilities, and motorcycle units from federal or local police for traffic control and perimeter sweeps. Follow-up cars carry additional agents and secure communications vans maintain encrypted links, while rear elements feature press vans, multiple ambulances for redundancy, and hazmat response units to address potential chemical or biological threats. This layered composition enables rapid adaptation to threats, with vehicles positioned to create overlapping fields of fire and evacuation routes. Fleet oversight emphasizes self-sufficiency, with escort vehicles stocked for extended operations, including fuel reserves, spare tires, and onboard armories, reflecting lessons from historical vulnerabilities like the 1981 Reagan assassination attempt. periodically acquires new support platforms, such as multi-terrain vehicles from Defense in , to enhance off-road and urban mobility for escorts. Decommissioned escort vehicles, unlike limousines, may be repurposed for or local agency use after security sanitization, though core presidential assets are destroyed to prevent technology proliferation.

Response to Historical Threats and Incidents

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, demonstrated the vulnerabilities of the open-top 1961 Lincoln Continental SS-100-X limousine, which lacked armor plating and a protective roof, allowing fatal shots from assassin Lee Harvey Oswald. In immediate response, the Secret Service modified the damaged vehicle for President Lyndon B. Johnson by installing a permanent hardtop roof, titanium armor plating, bulletproof glass windows, an explosion-proof fuel tank, and run-flat tires, adding significant weight and eliminating the convertible design. This rebuild, completed shortly after the incident, ended the use of open-air presidential vehicles permanently, shifting to fully enclosed, armored configurations as standard policy to prioritize ballistic protection over public visibility. The 1972 Lincoln Continental limousine, introduced during the Nixon administration and weighing approximately 5,000 pounds with 0.25-inch-thick armor, faced multiple threats without failing to shield occupants. On September 5, 1975, , Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme pointed at President near the vehicle but failed to fire, allowing agents to intervene swiftly. Seventeen days later, on September 22, 1975, , Sara Jane Moore fired a shot at Ford from about 40 feet away as he entered the limousine; the bullet was deflected by a bystander, preventing harm, while the armored design provided inherent protection during extraction. These events validated the reinforced structure but underscored reliance on agent proximity for threats occurring outside the vehicle. On March 30, 1981, outside the Hotel, fired six shots at President , wounding him, Press Secretary , a Secret Service agent, and a police officer as Reagan approached the same 1972 . Agents and Ray Shaddick immediately shoved Reagan into the , which accelerated away; Parr, noticing blood, diverted the driver to instead of the , arriving within minutes for life-saving surgery. A bullet fragment struck the vehicle's exterior during the chaos. While the incident highlighted effective rapid-entry protocols and the limousine's utility for high-speed , it occurred before Reagan entered, limiting tests of onboard defenses; no immediate structural modifications followed, but it contributed to broader security enhancements, including the 1982 transition to a new with thicker , raised seating for better agent coverage, and elimination of any roof openings. These historical incidents collectively drove iterative improvements in presidential state car design and operational tactics, emphasizing armored enclosures, self-sufficiency for evasion, and integration with Secret Service procedures to counter firearms threats, though adaptations often reacted to specific failures rather than preempting all vectors like close-range ambushes.

Current Model and Future Prospects

Specifications of the 2018 "The Beast"

![A black Cadillac limousine is at a 45-degree angle, showing to the camera its rear and starboard sides. The trunk sports two antennae, there is a presidential seal on the rear passenger door, and the license plate is numbered "800 002".](./assets/G-20_-Konvoi_US-Pr%C3%A4sident_04croppedcropped The 2018 model of the presidential state car, designated Cadillac One and nicknamed "The Beast," debuted in September 2018 during President Donald Trump's administration, succeeding the 2009 version with upgraded security features tailored to United States Secret Service requirements. Constructed by General Motors on a GMC TopKick medium-duty truck chassis, it incorporates styling cues from the Cadillac CT6 sedan, including Escalade headlights and a modern Cadillac grille, while exceeding the size of typical full-size trucks or SUVs. Exact technical details remain classified to prevent exploitation by adversaries, but publicly reported attributes highlight its role as a mobile fortress prioritizing protection over performance. The vehicle weighs between 15,000 and 20,000 pounds, with some estimates reaching 22,000 pounds due to extensive armoring. It measures approximately 20 feet in length, accommodating up to seven passengers in a hermetically sealed compartment equipped with independent oxygen , secure communications including phones and encrypted video systems, and a storing the president's blood supply for medical emergencies.
SpecificationDetails
Powertrain6.6-liter Duramax V8 engine; top speed of 60 mph; 0-60 mph in approximately 15 seconds; fuel economy of 4-8 .
Armor and Materials8-inch-thick exterior walls using , , aluminum, and ceramics; 5-inch multi-layered windows; 1-foot-thick doors weighing about 200 pounds each; bomb-proof undercarriage plating; armored fuel tank with foam matrix to prevent explosions.
Mobility FeaturesRun-flat tires with reinforcement, capable of 60 mph when punctured; night-vision headlights.
Defensive Systems and dispensers; potential for oil slicks and electrified handles (unconfirmed); onboard weapons storage; signal jammers.
A fleet of at least 12 identical units exists, each with matching "800-002" license plates to obscure the primary vehicle, and they are transported globally via C-17 Globemaster or C-5 Galaxy aircraft. The design emphasizes self-sufficiency, including a for inflating tires and sealed systems to withstand chemical or biological attacks, reflecting causal priorities of survivability in threat scenarios over conventional automotive efficiency.

Developments Toward Next-Generation Models (2020s)

In September 2024, received a $14.8 million contract from the U.S. Secret Service to initiate development of next-generation presidential limousines, with potential expansion to $40.8 million through 2029. This funding supports engineering, prototyping, and testing to replace the 2018 Cadillac-based fleet, which has exceeded its design life amid ongoing operational demands. By March 2025, executives convened with director in to advance designs for a new presidential , dubbed the next "Beast," tailored for incoming President . Discussions emphasized integration of enhanced armor, mobility, and self-defense systems while maintaining the Cadillac branding tradition, potentially drawing from heavy-duty platforms like the for improved off-road capability and payload. Unlike speculative proposals for electric or autonomous variants—such as Tesla integrations—these plans prioritize proven internal combustion powertrains to ensure reliability against threats and extended operational range without charging infrastructure vulnerabilities. Parallel efforts include armored SUV prototypes for support, rebadging heavy-duty chassis as Escalades to align with presidential aesthetics and Secret Service requirements for fleet uniformity. Specific performance metrics, such as top speed or , remain classified, but historical precedents indicate trade-offs favoring over , with weights likely exceeding 20,000 pounds. Deployment timelines aim for integration by late 2025 or early 2026, contingent on testing outcomes and budget approvals, reflecting cyclical replacement every 7-10 years driven by wear, threat evolution, and technological maturation.

Decommissioning and Broader Implications

Destruction Protocols for Retired Vehicles

Retired presidential state cars undergo rigorous destruction protocols overseen by the to prevent the dissemination of classified technologies, including advanced armor plating, encrypted communications systems, and defensive countermeasures. These measures stem from imperatives, as the vehicles incorporate proprietary engineering that, if compromised, could enable adversaries to analyze and replicate protective features. The standard procedure entails transporting decommissioned vehicles to a secure, isolated site for total dismantlement and obliteration. Secret Service personnel employ high-powered firearms, such as machine guns, to perforate critical components, followed by the deployment of explosives to fragment the , , and any remaining structures beyond repair or salvage. This multi-stage approach ensures no intact parts—particularly those containing specialized materials like run-flat tires or self-sealing fuel tanks—can be recovered for forensic examination or . Exceptions to full destruction are infrequent and limited to historical vehicles where classified elements have been excised or declassified. For instance, the 1961 SS-100-X, used during President John F. Kennedy's tenure and later refurbished with additional armor, was donated to museum in 1981 after serving in Secret Service training and ceremonial roles, with sensitive modifications removed prior to public display. Modern iterations, however, such as Cadillac-based models from the late 20th and 21st centuries, adhere strictly to destruction due to escalating technological sophistication and persistent threats, with no public sales or auctions permitted.

Economic Costs, Innovations, and National Security Rationale

The development and production of the U.S. presidential state car, exemplified by the 2018 Cadillac One (commonly known as "The Beast"), involve substantial economic costs borne by the federal government through contracts with . Each vehicle is estimated to cost between $1.5 million and $1.6 million, reflecting custom engineering for extreme durability rather than commercial viability. received contracts totaling approximately $15-16 million for , development, and initial production phases between 2014 and 2018, covering prototypes and modifications to meet Secret Service specifications. With a fleet typically comprising around 12 identical units to ensure redundancy and rotation for maintenance, the total program expenditure exceeds $20 million per generation, excluding ongoing operational and upkeep expenses that include specialized fuel, parts, and secure transport. Innovations in the presidential state car prioritize survivability over performance, incorporating advanced armoring and defensive systems derived from military-grade technologies. The 2018 model weighs approximately 20,000 pounds, utilizing a reinforced with layered , , and ceramics to withstand explosive blasts equivalent to anti-tank mines, while five-inch-thick resists armor-piercing rounds. Self-sealing fuel tanks prevent fires from punctures, run-flat tires enable mobility post-damage, and an independent oxygen supply sustains occupants during chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) attacks by sealing the interior against external contaminants. Additional features include a refrigerated compartment stocked with the president's for emergency transfusions, night-vision systems, and encrypted communications arrays; while some reports speculate on active countermeasures like deployable screens or electrified door handles, official details remain classified to preserve tactical advantages. These enhancements represent iterative advancements from prior models, such as the 2009 version's introduction of CBRN filtration, driven by post-9/11 threat assessments. The national security rationale for these vehicles centers on safeguarding the president as the embodiment of executive continuity amid persistent risks, a priority codified in Secret Service protocols since the agency's formation in 1901 but intensified after open-car vulnerabilities exposed in events like the 1963 . Armored designs mitigate ballistic, explosive, and unconventional threats—ranging from small-arms fire to improvised explosive devices—ensuring the president's mobility without compromising command functions during crises. This approach aligns with broader U.S. doctrine for protecting high-value targets, where the vehicle's independent power systems, medical capabilities, and defensive envelope enable sustained operations even under siege, thereby deterring adversaries and upholding deterrence through demonstrated resilience. Critics from fiscal conservative perspectives, such as those in reports, argue the costs strain budgets without proportional threat reductions, yet proponents cite empirical threat data from intelligence assessments justifying the investment to avert catastrophic leadership vacuums.

Controversies and Critical Perspectives

Debates on Cost-Effectiveness and Fiscal Burden

The unit cost of each presidential , designated "The Beast," is estimated at $1.5 million, encompassing specialized armor plating capable of withstanding explosive devices, advanced communication arrays, and integrated defense mechanisms such as dispensers and oxygen supplies for chemical attacks. This price tag, derived from custom modifications by to specifications, exceeds that of standard luxury vehicles by a factor of over 50 when compared to the average U.S. passenger cost of around $30,000. The Secret Service operates a fleet of multiple identical units—typically around a dozen—to provide operational redundancy, rotate for maintenance, and mitigate risks from targeted , amplifying the program's upfront fiscal outlay to tens of millions of dollars per generation. Maintenance and operational expenses further compound the burden, including low (estimated at 8 miles per or less due to the vehicle's 18,000–20,000-pound weight), specialized tire replacements, and secure transport for rotations between facilities and overseas deployments. These vehicles fall under the U.S. Secret Service's protective operations budget, which totals $3.2 billion for 2025, though specific allocations for the presidential fleet remain partially classified to preserve security protocols. Broader congressional scrutiny of federal vehicle fleets, as noted in Government Accountability Office reviews, has highlighted inefficiencies in agency-wide acquisitions and usage, prompting questions about whether bespoke presidential assets could incorporate more cost-saving components without compromising core protections. Critics, often from fiscal conservative perspectives, contend that the program's opacity and premium pricing exemplify unnecessary extravagance in taxpayer-funded executive perks, especially amid competing national priorities like or debt reduction; for example, public discourse has labeled non-essential uses of the —such as ceremonial track laps—as emblematic of wasteful deployment. Defenders, including security experts, counter that empirical evidence from historical attempts, such as the 1963 Kennedy motorcade, underscores the causal necessity of such investments: inferior alternatives would elevate vulnerability risks, potentially destabilizing governance and international confidence in U.S. leadership. While the fleet's expenses represent a minuscule fraction of the federal budget (less than 0.001% annually), the absence of competitive bidding—due to classified requirements—fuels ongoing debates over value for money versus existential safeguards.

Questions of Over-Engineering vs. Necessary Protection

The extensive armor plating, reinforced , and integrated countermeasures of the presidential state car, weighing an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 pounds, enable it to withstand high-caliber ballistic impacts, rocket-propelled grenades, and biological or chemical agents, but these features impose significant operational limitations. The vehicle's top speed is capped at approximately 60 mph, with hindered to the point of resembling a heavily laden truck, complicating rapid evasion in urban or contested environments. Automotive analysts have noted that the mass exacerbates fuel inefficiency—reportedly achieving only 6-8 —and strains maintenance, as the diesel-powered and custom components demand specialized during deployments. Instances of the vehicle struggling with tight turns or low clearances, such as during overseas motorcades, highlight reduced agility compared to standard limousines, prompting critiques that such bulk prioritizes static defense over dynamic mobility. Proponents of the design counter that these trade-offs are inherent to engineering against asymmetric threats, where under-protection risks catastrophic failure, as evidenced by the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy in an unarmored open-top Lincoln Continental lacking even basic ballistic shielding. The United States Secret Service mandates features like 8-inch-thick armored doors equivalent in weight to those on a Boeing 757, run-flat tires, and a sealed cabin with independent oxygen supply to address evolved dangers including improvised explosive devices, vehicle-borne bombs, and state-sponsored attacks during international travel. Since the shift to fully armored vehicles in the 1960s, no U.S. president has been killed while inside one, underscoring the efficacy of layered redundancies despite classified details limiting public scrutiny. Engineering assessments from defense-oriented publications affirm that the "overbuilt" nature—incorporating military-grade composites and night-vision systems—reflects intelligence-driven requirements for survivability in worst-case scenarios, where the president's role as commander-in-chief demands capabilities beyond commercial armored vehicles. The debate hinges on causal trade-offs: while excessive weight may hinder short-term responsiveness, empirical data from threat assessments—encompassing four historical presidential assassinations and numerous post-9/11 plots—justify prioritizing penetration resistance over performance metrics, as a breached could enable nuclear authorization compromise via onboard secure communications. Critics from automotive sectors argue for lighter alternatives using like ceramics or hybrids to balance protection with agility, but Secret Service protocols, informed by real-world incidents like the 1981 Reagan shooting, emphasize that partial measures invite exploitation by determined adversaries. Ultimately, the design embodies a first-principles approach to , where the of added armor outweighs the asymmetry of potential loss, though ongoing evaluations for next-generation models seek to optimize these tensions without diluting core defenses.

Environmental Impacts and Practical Critiques

The presidential state car, known as "The Beast," weighs between 8 and 10 tons and measures approximately 18 feet in length, resulting in an estimated fuel efficiency of 4 miles per gallon. Its diesel V8 engine produces lower carbon dioxide emissions per gallon than comparable gasoline-powered vehicles but generates 25 to 400 times more soot and particulate matter per mile, exacerbating local air quality issues and contributing to broader atmospheric pollution. Operational demands, including the deployment of multiple identical units in motorcades and international airlifts—such as to climate conferences—amplify its per-event environmental footprint, with diesel combustion adding to greenhouse gas inventories despite limited annual mileage. Critics have pointed to the vehicle's inefficiency as inconsistent with federal pushes for higher fuel standards and electrification, exemplified by its use during visits to electric vehicle facilities under administrations advocating zero-emission goals. While the Secret Service cites security necessities overriding efficiency, the design's reliance on fossil fuels underscores trade-offs in balancing protection against sustainability imperatives, with no official emissions data released to quantify total impacts. Practical limitations stem primarily from the car's mass and dimensions, which hinder agility in confined urban environments. Documented challenges include a 2009 incident requiring a five-point turn to navigate Downing Street and difficulties exiting the U.S. Embassy in Dublin during a presidential visit, highlighting constrained turning capability and parking feasibility. Acceleration to 60 mph demands about 15 seconds, reflecting the engine's tuning for low-end torque over speed, while operational protocols cap rides at 30 minutes to mitigate risks like overheating or driver fatigue in the armored enclosure. These attributes prioritize blast- and bullet-resistance over nimbleness, rendering the vehicle ill-suited for rapid evasion in non-motorcade scenarios and necessitating supplemental transport like helicopters for extended travel.

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