If you’ve ever wondered what car was JFK killed in, the answer is a specific 1961 Lincoln Continental limousine. This vehicle, known as the X-100, became an indelible part of history on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.
The story of this car is about more than just a make and model. It involves custom modifications, a fateful day, and a long afterlife that continues to fascinate historians and the public alike. Let’s look at the details of this infamous automobile.
What Car Was Jfk Killed In
The vehicle was a 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible. It was built by the Ford Motor Company and modified into a presidential limousine by Hess & Eisenhardt in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Secret Service designated it with the code name “X-100.”
It wasn’t a standard car you could buy from a dealership. It was a unique, armored vehicle designed to protect the most powerful person in the world. Here are its key specifications:
- Make & Model: 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible (modified)
- Designation: SS-100-X (Secret Service code)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): 1Y86H401906
- Length: 21 feet, 6 inches
- Weight: Approximately 7,800 lbs (after armor plating)
- Engine: 430 cubic inch V8
- Top Speed: Estimated 100 mph
The Design And Modifications Of The X-100
When originally built, the Lincoln was a sleek, four-door convertible. Hess & Eisenhardt transformed it into a state car. The modifications were extensive and aimed at both security and function.
The most notable feature was the addition of a permanent, transparent plastic roof. This “bubble top” could be attached for weather protection, but it was not bulletproof. On the day of the assassination, the top was not in place, as the weather in Dallas was sunny and pleasant.
Key Security Features Added
- Armor Plating: The doors, floor, and roof were reinforced with titanium and other armor materials.
- Bullet-Resistant Glass: The side windows were made of thick, bullet-resistant glass.
- Retractable Steps and Handholds: For Secret Service agents to stand on while the car was moving.
- Special Communications: The vehicle had a complex radio system to stay in contact with the motorcade and Washington.
- Hydraulic Lift: The rear suspension could be raised to elevate the president for better visibility during parades.
The Fateful Day In Dallas
On November 22, 1963, President Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally, and his wife Nellie were riding in the X-100. The motorcade route through Dealey Plaza was chosen to give the public a good view of the president.
The car’s configuration that day was crucial. The plastic bubble top was off. The rear seats were elevated on a hydraulic lift. This unfortunately made the occupants more visible and, as history would have it, more vulnerable.
The sequence of events inside the car unfolded rapidly. As the limousine turned onto Elm Street passing the Texas School Book Depository, shots rang out. President Kennedy was struck by two bullets, and Governor Connally was seriously wounded. The limousine accelerated to Parkland Memorial Hospital.
The Immediate Aftermath And Evidence
After arriving at the hospital, the car became a primary crime scene. It was immediately impounded. Bloodstains and physical evidence were present throughout the interior.
Within hours, the car was flown back to Washington D.C. under heavy guard. It was taken to the White House garage where it was carefully examined by the FBI and Secret Service. Every fragment, fiber, and stain was documented for the official investigations that followed.
The Limousine’s Transformation And Later Service
Following the assassination, the X-100 was not retired. In a decision that may seem surprising today, the car was sent back to Hess & Eisenhardt for a complete reconstruction.
The 1964 Overhaul
The goal was to return the vehicle to service, but with major security upgrades. The entire convertible body was removed and replaced with a permanent, armored steel roof. The car was lengthened and made heavier. The open, parade-style design was gone forever.
- The chassis was extended and strengthened.
- A fixed, armored titanium roof was installed.
- More powerful air conditioning and heating systems were added.
- The interior was completely refurbished, though some underlying structural components from the original car remained.
- It was repainted from its original midnight blue to a black finish.
Continued Presidential Duty
The rebuilt limousine re-entered the White House fleet. It served Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter. It was used for official events, but never again as a primary parade vehicle. Its role was more for secure transport.
Many people are unaware that the same car involved in the tragedy continued to be used for decades. It was finally retired from active service in 1977. The mileage and wear, combined with its heavy weight, made it impractical compared to newer models.
Where Is The Car Now?
Today, the X-100 is preserved and on public display. You can see it for yourself at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. It was donated to the museum by the U.S. government in 1978.
The Museum Display And Ethical Considerations
The museum displays the car with respect and historical context. It is presented not as a spectacle, but as a profound artifact of American history. The exhibit explains its design, its role on November 22, and its subsequent refurbishment.
Some visitors find seeing the car to be a powerful, somber experience. The museum provides information to help guests understand its full history, including the difficult parts. Conservation efforts ensure the vehicle is preserved for future generations to study and reflect upon.
Common Questions And Misconceptions
Over the years, many questions and myths have surronded the JFK limousine. Let’s clarify some of the most common ones.
Was It A Lincoln Or A Cadillac?
It was definitively a Lincoln. Ford Motor Company had provided presidential vehicles since the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. A common misconception is that it was a Cadillac, but all official records confirm it was a 1961 Lincoln Continental.
Was The Car Bulletproof?
It was armored, but not completely bulletproof in 1963. The side windows and doors offered some protection, but the roof was not armored in its convertible state. The 1964 overhaul made it far more secure, with a fortified roof and improved armor plating throughout.
Why Wasn’t The Bubble Top Used?
The clear plastic “bubble top” was not designed to stop bullets. It was purely a weather shield for rain or snow. On that clear November day in Dallas, there was no weather reason to use it. Its presence might have also obscured the view of the president from the crowds.
Technical Legacy Of The X-100
The assassination directly led to a revolution in presidential security and vehicle design. The X-100’s shortcomings became the blueprint for what not to do.
Changes In Presidential Transportation
- Closed Vehicles: Open-top parades in convertibles were effectively ended. All subsequent primary presidential limousines have fixed, sealed roofs.
- Advanced Armor: Modern presidential limos are essentially tanks disguised as cars, with armor capable of withstanding rifle fire and explosives.
- Sealed Environments: Today’s vehicles have independent oxygen supplies and are sealed against chemical or biological attacks.
- Proactive Security: Route selection and crowd control became infinitely more rigorous, relying on advance teams and extensive planning.
The X-100 itself was a product of its time, balancing public accessibility with security in a way that now seems tragically naive. Its story is a stark reminder of how a single object can become a focal point for a nation’s history and grief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of car was Kennedy riding in when he was shot?
He was riding in a modified 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible, code-named X-100 by the Secret Service.
What happened to the car after JFK died?
It was used as evidence, then completely rebuilt with a fixed roof and more armor. It continued to serve four more presidents before being retired to the Henry Ford Museum.
Can you see the JFK assassination car?
Yes, it is on permanent display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. It is presented with significant historical context.
Was the Lincoln Continental armored?
Yes, it had been armored by Hess & Eisenhardt before its delivery to the White House. However, the level of protection was insufficient against the rifle fire it encountered in Dallas.
Who was driving the car when JFK was shot?
Secret Service Agent William Greer was the driver. Agent Roy Kellerman was in the front passenger seat, acting as the lead agent for the trip.