Location: Santa Monica, California

$143,000 USD | Sold

Established in 1876, the Sayres and Scoville Company was one of the few Victorian era carriage makers to make the transition to motorized conveyance by specializing in hearses, ambulances and specialty vehicles. In 1942, long time employees Emil E. Hess and Charles A. Eisenhardt, along with their respective sons, purchased the assets of the Cincinnati, Ohio based company from its retiring founders.

Shortly following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Secret Service, concerned about the safety of President Truman, approached the newly-named Hess & Eisenhardt Company to design and construct an armored passenger car for official White House business.

Thus began the company's impressive history of custom cars and limousines built for every U.S. president from Harry S. Truman to Lyndon B. Johnson. Hess & Eisenhardt also built special vehicles for FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, Queen Elizabeth II, King Paul of Greece, King Ibn Saud of Saudia Arabia, King Hussein of Jordan, the “King of rock-and-roll” Elvis Presley and many other notables from the worlds of entertainment and business.

Hess & Eisenhardt enjoyed a close relationship with the Ford Motor Company since the early 1940s through to the 1970s. Following the completion of the official Presidential 1961 Continental Convertible Limousine designated 100-X by the Secret Service, were three custom-built 1962 Lincoln Continental Town Limousines that served as vehicular ambassadors for the country.

More specifically, the first two cars built were earmarked to serve the transportation needs of Mrs. Edsel B. (Eleanor) Ford of Dearborn, Michigan in addition to Ford executives and White House guests. The third car, designated 297-X by the Secret Service, was designed purposely for Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy which became affectionately known as the First Lady’s “Bubbletop” limousine because of its unique transparent roof.

With a sophisticated combination of elegance and style, the Continental seemed custom tailored for America’s youngest and most dynamic President – John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Used by visiting dignitaries and guests, these elegant livery cars were the trusty steeds of the White House stable. On lease and under contract by the Ford Motor Company, these automobiles received the utmost care and maintenance while serving their country.

The Lincoln being offered; Car no. 424232 entered service in August 1962 as a Ford Motor Company executive livery car based in New York City. In addition to President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy the limousine carried other notable passengers such as President Lyndon B. Johnson, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, Chief Justice Earl Warren, auto executive Lee Iacocca and the families of Eleanor and Henry Ford II.

The significance of this particular limousine is its participation in one of the most historically significant eras of the 20th century. In his third and final year in office, Kennedy announced the Cuban missile crisis was over and turned the nation’s attention to the new frontiers of outer space. Along the way, this car often carried Kennedy and visiting dignitaries to several historic speaking engagements, delivering his message of hope and prosperity to fellow Americans and the rest of the world.

On a cold and wet November 15, 1963 this car was summoned by the Secret Service for an important goodwill mission in New York City. Kennedy attended two conferences that day in this very car – the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). Tragically, this would be his last trip to New York City and his last words to labor. Seven days later, Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas riding in another Hess & Eisenhardt built limousine – the X-100.

This car continued to serve the White House through the Johnson administration and received a more modern 1964 grille in the same year. In 1974 the car returned to the Ford Motor Company and was subsequently purchased by Calvin S. Beauregard, former Ford executive and Manager of Public Affairs, Transportation Division. Having been in Mr. Beauregard’s care since new, it was right at home. The Beauregards eventually sold the car to their neighbor, Dr. François Theroux of Billings, Montana. The Lincoln then followed Dr. Theroux to Scottsdale, Arizona upon his retirement. In 1987 the car was purchased by the current owner with whom it has remained since.

After retiring from twelve years of service, the first car of the three was eventually sent to the scrapyard in 1974, leaving the example offered here (2Y82H424232), and the special 297-X, as the sole survivors of this important trio.

Like its sister cars, 424232 was equipped with presidential amenities such as rear center armrest telephone (since removed), front/rear seat partition with division glass, front chromed flag stanchions and the all-important flashing red headlamps.

The wheelbase was extended to 131-inches from the standard sedan chassis size of 123-inches and rides upon original Martin high speed 8.85 - 14 tires. A black metal tag behind front right headlight – states body style “53A – Special Underbody” indicating the frame/chassis was modified. The Lincoln is powered by a 430-cid, 300-hp V-8 engine with three-speed automatic transmission.The original Hess & Eisenhardt coachbuilder’s plate is located on the side of the front right passenger seat.

The rear fenders sport dual antennas – one for regular radio, the other for front/rear radio intercom. Given the added weight and heavy use, the car has additional radiators for the transmission and a separate rear air conditioning system.

The Lincoln has recently undergone a cosmetic restoration on behalf of its owner and accordingly the body and paintwork has been returned to its original splendor. Additionally, a careful mechanical service and maintenance was executed to insure the car’s overall proper operating condition. The Lincoln’s interior remains remarkably intact and in well-preserved original condition.

Truly an icon of American history, this rare, genuine and historically important motor car will likely be making its one and only appearance at auction for the remainder of its existence. Motor cars of this significance do not change hands often and we encourage those interested to not overlook this car’s availability and importance.

Presidential limousines have always held a fascination with the public, as these cars were often witnesses to America’s most important political and historical events.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ca15/lots/r0071-1962-lincoln-continental-presidential/