Marking the fiftieth anniversary of the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, a huge auction was held in Boston, Massachusetts on October 24, 2013. The RR Auction event was named Camelot: Fifty Years After Dallas, and featured 290 pieces of JFK memorabilia, including two Lincoln Continentals used by the President.
The President’s 1963 Lincoln Continental
- The white 1963 Lincoln Continental, the last car the President safely rode in before he was assassinated in Dallas, sold for $318,000. This historically important car was used for transporting President Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline and then Texas Governor John Connally through Fort Worth streets to Carswell Air Force Base for a short flight to Dallas, on November 22, 1963.
- The white convertible was loaned out by Bill Golightly of Golightly Auto Sales, Fort Worth, for use by the President while in town.
- The car has been restored by Lincoln specialist, Baker Restoration, of Putnam, Connecticut.
- Restoration includes engine replacement, bodywork and paint.
- Most of the interior, including the red leather seats, is in original condition.
The President’s 1960 Lincoln Continental
- Another Lincoln Continental, a black 1960 Mark V, which was a part of the Presidential motorcade, sold for $210,000 at the JFK-themed auction.
- The black limousine is a four-door bulletproof Continental that features power steering and brakes, rear passenger air controls, divider window, and a very rare two-way telephone at the back seat.
- Restoration has been done to the body at a cost of $35,000.
- Interior remains unaltered with beige leather seats and carpeting.
The President’s Infamous Lincoln Continental
While the above two classic Lincoln Continentals used by the President John F. Kennedy were auctioned off, the 1961 Lincoln Continental in which the President was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald, rests at the Henry Ford Museum, in Dearborn, Michigan. The features of this infamous car, christened ‘X-100’ by the Secret Service included:
- Hydraulic rear seat which could be raised to elevate the President
- Detachable transparent plastic and steel roof panels
- Four retractable steps for Secret Service Agents
- Auxiliary seats for extra passengers
- Two radio telephones
- Hand-embroidered Presidential seals in the door pockets
- Floodlights in the interior
The car, assembled by Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln Plant, Michigan, in 1961, was originally a four-door convertible, which was customized into a Presidential Limousine, by Hess & Eisenhardt of Cincinnati, Ohio. The car remained the property of Ford Motor Company and was leased to the Secret Service for an amount of $500 per year. It remained in service till 1977, after which was shifted to the Henry Ford Museum, where it is exhibited for the public.
What stories do you have regarding the vehicles in your classic car collection? Whether your classic has historical significance or cherished family memories, Classic Auto offers the best insurance policy to secure your priceless piece. Ask us about our affordable classic car insurance options with the best coverage for your timeless classic. Call us today at 888-901-1338 for a free quote.
About the Author
Drew Yagodnik is Vice President of Classic Automobile Insurance Agency, Inc. Classic Automobile Insurance Agency has been protecting collector, classic and exotics since 1992.
