What happened to JFK's presidential limo may surprise you as it continued to play a major role
Published on Oct 24, 2025 at 4:04 AM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Oct 23, 2025 at 6:01 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The fate of JFK’s presidential limo, a Lincoln Continental, might very well surprise you.
It remains one of the most famous vehicles ever, for very tragic reasons.
But you mightn’t have expected what actually happened to JFK’s presidential limo.
Because it continued to serve for a very long time.
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JFK’s presidential limo was immortalized in 1963
JFK’s presidential limo is, in many ways, far more famous than it should be.
The modified 1961 Lincoln Continental was immortalized because of one fateful day.
Friday, November 22, 1963, remains one of the darkest days in American history.
It remains so, of course, because of the shocking assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
As part of his re-election campaign for 1964, the President made a scheduled visit to Texas.
After landing in Fort Worth the evening before, JFK and the First Lady traveled to Dallas.
JFK’s presidential limo arrived in the Dealey Plaza area at 12.30pm.
It was at that point that history was changed forever.
Three shots later, and JFK’s presidential limo was filmed rushing towards Parkland Memorial Hospital.
What fate befell the Lincoln Continental?
What everyone remembers, of course, is the utter tragedy of that fateful day.
But many have previously wondered what actually happened to the car itself.
JFK’s presidential limo, dubbed ‘X-100’ by the Secret Service, was a heavily modified Lincoln Continental.
Following the assassination, the presidential limo was considered a crime scene.
This meant that its immediate fate was to be impounded and thoroughly examined.
Following said examinations, the ‘X-100’ was returned to Washington, D.C.
The Secret Service felt it would be easier and less expensive to return JFK’s presidential limo to service.
Project D-2 was formed as a result, and it saw significant changes made to the Continental.
The overall costs of project D-2 amounted to around $500,000 by the time it was delivered in June 1964.
Additional armor, a permanent roof, new communications devices, and enhanced components could all be found on the upgraded version of JFK’s presidential limo.
The car itself would ultimately serve Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter.
It was finally retired in 1977 and now resides in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
JFK’s presidential limo can actually still be seen by members of the public.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
