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Presidential rides of past and present

Through the years, the various Presidential State Cars have shuttled the Commanders-in-Chief where ever a person of importance needed to arrive in style and safety.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin
2 min read

President George W. Bush's Cadillac DTS still serves as an alternate Presidential State Car, despite the adoption of Cadillac One in this official role.
President George W. Bush's Cadillac DTS still serves as an alternate Presidential State Car, despite the adoption of Cadillac One in this official role. Wikimedia Commons

When you're the Commander-in-Chief, the head of state, and generally the top dog of the United States of America, there will be times when you're expected to arrive to a variety of appointments, appearances, and meetings with other top dogs. But the President of the United States can't simply hop into his Ford Taurus and drive himself to meetings with foreign dignitaries--although he may be tempted by the SHO. Rather, getting from point A to B when you're one of the most important people in the nation requires high levels of safety and reliability, as well as a touch of class. Enter the Presidential State Car: the official ground transportation method of the President of the United States.

Presidential wheels (photos)

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Through the years, the various Presidential State Cars have shuttled the Commanders-in-Chief wherever a person of importance needed to arrive in style and safety. For example, President Warren Harding's Packard Six was the first to shuttle a president to his inauguration, and FDR's Sunshine Special was one of the first to be built to presidential specifications. Other State Cars are famous for more ominous reasons, such as the code-named SS-X-100 convertible in which President John F. Kennedy would meet his fate. There is, at times, overlap--being the property of the United States government, many State Cars served multiple administrations. Of course, as the years passed and safety and car tech advanced, so did the Presidential State Car--this advancement culminates in the current vehicle, nicknamed "Cadillac One," which is used to transport President Barack Obama.

We've gathered some of the most interesting vehicles, including a presidential ride that once belonged to a notorious gangster, into a gallery for your enjoyment.