It was on this day in 1964 that the infamous presidential Limousine used during the horrific assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas returned to service following 11 months out of action.
The Ford-built Lincoln Continental convertible - codenamed SS-1000-X - was impounded for evidence in the weeks following the assassination, but was later ‘released’ to receive significant security modifications which included titanium armour-plating, bullet-resistant glass and a permanent bulletproof roof.
The vehicle resumed its role as the primary presidential limousine for Lyndon B. Johnson until 1967 and, though it was superseded by newer vehicles from 1968 onwards, it was still occasionally used by Johnson as well as subsequent presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter until it was eventually retired in 1978.
Since its ‘retirement’, the original Limousine has been exhibited as one of the main attractions at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan. Meanwhile numerous replicas have attracted significant fees on the public auction circuit over the years.