George W. Bush, when President of the United States of America, was the first to travel in the 2006 Cadillac DTS limousine. This time around the new presidential car was a lot more than a current production car stretched and strengthened. Take one look at the massive roof pillars and you soon will realize this car somewhat of a tank dressed up to look like a production model. No wonder this presidential limo earned the nickname “The Beast”.
With a new design and unique construction under the skin, the new Cadillac DTS limousine was handcrafted and dressed in a jet-black clear coat finish. The vehicle was a considerably longer, wider and taller version of the production model that became available later that year. To maintain national security, the limousines were equipped with state-of-the-art protection and communication systems. It is said that the limo was based on a GM truck chassis while using design cues and components like the lights etc that tie the design to DTS model that was to be launched later that year.
The vehicle interior boasted six-passenger seating with comfort and visibility for all occupants. A rear seat executive package features a concealed, foldaway desktop that can be deployed when conducting affairs of state. The rear seats had an adjustable reclining feature along with the adaptive seat system, which senses the position of the occupant in the seat and automatically adjusts the cushion for added comfort. Moreover, rear seat passengers could enjoy their own premium sound system complete with a 10-disc CD changer. Wood accents, rich blue leather and cloth complete the executive interior.
An embroidered presidential seal was positioned in the centre of the rear seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals were also affixed to the exterior rear doors. The U.S. flag was placed on the right front fender, and the presidential standard was located on the left front fender when the president travels in the vehicle. Flush-mounted High Intensity Discharged (HID) spotlights illuminated the flags at night.
“It is a great honour for Cadillac and General Motors to be associated with the highest office of the United States,” said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor at the time. “In fact, Cadillac has been building limousines and special vehicles for U.S. presidents, diplomats, ambassadors and foreign dignitaries since the early 1900s.”
One of the first chief executives to ride in a Cadillac was President Woodrow Wilson, who rode through the streets of Boston during a World War I victory parade. A lavish 1928 Cadillac town car was used extensively throughout the Coolidge Administration.
In 1938, two Cadillac convertibles dubbed the “Queen Mary” and “Queen Elizabeth” were delivered to the U.S. Government. Named after the great ocean liners of the time, the 211/2 feet, 7,660 pound vehicles were equipped with a full ammunition arsenal, two way radios, and heavy duty generators. Durable and reliable, the two “Queens” served Presidents Roosevelt, Truman and Eisenhower.
President Eisenhower, who was known as a “car buff,” had ridden in one of the first Eldorados during the1953 Inauguration Day Parade. The vehicle was unique as it had the first wrap around windshield, which quickly became a standard in domestic and foreign automobiles.
In 1956, the Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II convertibles replaced the original series. The vehicles were 21 feet long and weighed 7,000 pounds. Like their predecessors, these vehicles were fully armoured with state-of-the art communications at that time. Moreover, the vehicles were fitted with narrow rims inside the tire in case the tires were shot out. The Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II served not only President Eisenhower, but also Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. Both vehicles were retired in 1968.
The Reagan administration was delivered a 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine while a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham – Presidential Series was delivered to the Clinton Administration in 1993. Unlike previous models, the Presidential Brougham was designed, developed and manufactured totally within General Motors. Moreover, the vehicle was designed to provide unquestionable protection. Minimizing exposure to external threats, no sunroof or running boards were installed on the vehicle.
Currently, the 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine resides at the Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley, Calif. while the 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is located at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark.
The predecessor to the 2006 limousine was the 2001 Cadillac DeVille limousine. It was the first Cadillac to be adorned with the division’s current wreath and crest emblem. The vehicle served as a backup limo until 2009 when the 2006 took over the backup role when it itself was replaced by the 2009 car first used by Barack Obama. While previous presidential cars often went to museums it is unlikely the 2006 limo or any future limo will. The top secret nature of its construction and features mean that the secret service do not want anyone taking a too close of a look at it. It’s most likely all future presidential limos will be destroyed at the end of their life to test their armour plating and to hide their secrets.
