How much do you know about the presidential Cadillac?
Air Force One is the official aircraft designated for one of America’s most important passengers: the President. Known for its advanced secure communications and unmatched technology, it’s an airborne fortress. But on the ground, the presidential Cadillac is equally impressive and sophisticated, packed with security features that make it a true marvel.
The Presidential limousine has never been supplied exclusively by one American automaker. This special vehicle, formally known as the “State Car,” has historically been a customized, armored Lincoln, Chrysler, or Cadillac. Presidents Reagan, Bush (both 41 and 43), Clinton, Obama, Trump, and Biden are among the many recent American leaders who have benefited from Cadillac’s Presidential Cadillacs.
We’re impressed by this fabulous automobile. If the Air Force One is an airborne fortress, this one is a fortress on wheels. It’s equipped with the best security features and can stand almost any threat, including chemical attacks, bullets, or explosions. The Beast has bulletproof glass, run-flat tires, and a sealed cabin with its own oxygen supply so that the passengers are safe no matter what.
Besides looking amazing, it’s one of the best automobiles in the world. We’re intrigued, so we want to know more. If you are just as curious as we are, here’s what you need to know about the special vehicle presidents ride in. Let’s take a look:
1. You can’t buy one
You could be the richest individual in the world, the smartest on the planet, or the most beautiful in the country; it just doesn’t matter: you can’t buy a presidential Cadillac. A company from San Francisco called Limousine World is selling an “Obama Style Presidential Armored Limousine,” beautifully wrapped in “High-Powered Rifle Protection Armoring T6,” but it’s not it.
It looks like the Beast, but it’s only good craftsmanship. If you fancy this vehicle and would like to get rid of it one day, you must get properly elected.
Speaking of that, while we can’t help you become the next president of the States, we can tell you that Cadillac usually offers similar quality, performance, and luxury features to the presidential one. So, if you have money to spare, you can check it out.
2. It has a secret compartment
As we’ve already mentioned, the Beast is all about keeping the president safe no matter what. What’s interesting about it is that it is designed with secret compartments that house several emergency defense tools.
For example, the cabin has a secret compartment full of firearms that can be easily accessed if needed. Moreover, the car has small canisters of tear gas and other defensive tools, which can be used in case of a direct threat.
3. It weighs roughly 20,000 pounds
The presidential Cadillac is a fortress on wheels, so is that surprising to find out that it weighs around 20,000 pounds? Maybe not. This incredible automobile is designed from the ground up for ultimate protection, and it’s different from any other car.
The Beast is pretty beasty, considering that it has reinforced armor, which includes aluminum, military-grade steel, and ceramic armor to withstand extreme conditions. Moreover, the doors are as heavy as those on a Boeing 757 aircraft, and the windows are bulletproof. Definitely impressive, right?
4. It’s a Cadillac, but not really
Let’s take the presidential limousine Donald Trump rode in during his first mandate, for example. While several features of that presidential Cadillac, such as the taillights, headlights, and particular grille elements, were similar to those used by stock Cadillac automobiles, not many of them are present in the Cadillac One model, including hand-cut and sewn leather seats, a great entertainment system, and individualized climate control.
5. If you see it in the movies…
…it’s not the real presidential Cadillac
There were many action movies (impressive, tbh) involving functional American presidents and their official cars, but here’s the thing: the Cadillac One has never been a movie star. Since the Secret Service does its job impeccably and doesn’t reveal any secrets regarding the Beast, filmmakers had to explore the depths of their imagination to create a stylish, real, and top-notch presidential limousine.
If you’ve watched the 2013 thriller “White House Down,” you probably noticed crazy realistic facsimiles. Moreover, Road & Track even went so far as to take a test drive in this fake prez-mobile, which was pretty impressive, if you ask me.
What can we say? The fake Cadillac was a chic, realistic-looking imitation that wouldn’t appear out of place in an official procession, although the resulting movie wasn’t a box office success.
6. You can’t buy one second-hand
You can’t purchase one new, and you can’t get a second-hand one either. After a presidential Cadillac has been retired, the Secret Service will quickly destroy it. Completely. The main reason why such a prestigious vehicle must be destroyed is because it prevents enemies from discovering how to defeat its communication and safety equipment.
Moreover, this practice also allows Secret Service agents to test how the automobile reacts to bombs, bullets, and other violent assaults. Their work is always impressive, but one time, things turned out differently…
The presidential Cadillac Bill Clinton rode in during his mandate—the 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham—managed to escape its severe fate. You can now see it in the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas. Even though you can take a look at its exterior, the interior remains locked and inaccessible to the public.
…If you do want to have your own presidential Cadillac (miniature style), check out this one!
7. It takes years to be produced
Let’s go back to the presidential Cadillac Donald Trump rode in during his first mandate because things are pretty interesting. According to experts, it takes a couple of years to make a Beast.
That car took roughly 4 years for General Motors to design and construct. As experts say, it underwent testing in late 2016, and it’s believed that the reason it takes years to develop “the beast” is because of all of its protective measures, especially its unique patented armor, which must be thoroughly tested before being installed on the vehicle, even if the specifications in the RFP that won GM the bid are state secrets.
8. It’s never alone
Did you know that the Beast never travels alone? That’s right, the presidential Cadillac is part of a secure motorcade known as the “rolling bunker.” This includes an ambulance, SUV, specialized Secret Service vehicles, and decoys that create an impressive security bubble.
These support automobiles carry additional gear and agents so everyone can defend the president in an emergency. The entire fascinating motorcade functions as a seamless unit, giving the presidential Cadillac the ultimate help and protection on every journey, from urban streets and longer rides to international visits.
9. Luxurious interior
Besides the vehicle’s impressive exterior built for defense, the Beast’s interior is just as stunning as you can imagine. Its luxurious features are perfectly designed for maximum functionality and comfort. This includes a sophisticated lighting system, premium leather seats (that won’t annoy the special passenger during hot weather), and high-grade soundproofing.
These features are crucial for the country’s leader, as the president must consistently work. He can make phone calls, conduct meetings, and review documents while en route. The presidential Cadillac is also equipped with communication screens, which allow the politician to have private calls and video conferences, which therefore creates the perfect mobile workspace where he can make important decisions even on the go.
…And speaking of communication, here’s something that will blow your mind!
10. Mobile command center
You can already tell that the Beast is one of the most impressive vehicles ever created, and these fabulous facts don’t end here. The presidential Cadillac functions as a mobile command center, allowing the American leader to stay connected no matter what.
Inside the presidential limousine, there’s a smart and highly secured satellite communication system that provides secure connections directly to the White House and Pentagon. Moreover, the secure communication lines and Wi-Fi are top-notch, so the president can make critical decisions from anywhere without being disrupted.
This feature enables the presidential motorcade to serve as an extension of the executive branch’s control, allowing instant access to military and government officials worldwide.
What are your thoughts on these facts about the presidential Cadillac? This car blew my mind, so if it did the same to you, leave a comment below, and let’s chat! Until next time, here’s another great post from Urban Cars Blog to check out:
The Best Small SUVs for City Life (and One to Avoid)
