For much of the 20th century, U.S. presidents rode in Lincoln limousines, a tradition that continued until the 1980s when the Reagan administration switched to Cadillacs.
The latest model of the presidential limousine was commissioned by the U.S. Secret Service in 2014 and first used in 2018 by President Donald Trump.
The design of the presidential limousine is unique, resembling a longer version of a Cadillac XT6, but its chassis is based on a Chevrolet Kodiak truck produced by General Motors. The vehicle is heavily armored, weighs around 20,000 pounds, and costs approximately $1.5 million to build.
The presidential limousine, often called “The Beast,” is designed with security and safety in mind. It features bulletproof glass, armor plating, and advanced communication systems to protect the president in an attack or emergency. The interior has luxurious amenities for the president’s comfort and convenience.
The Secret Service works closely with the car’s manufacturer to ensure that it meets the highest security and performance standards. The presidential limousine symbolizes the president’s authority and is used for official events and ceremonies where security is paramount.
The presidential limousine is an iconic vehicle that reflects the importance of the presidency and the need to protect the president at all costs.