The 1961 Lincoln Continental limousine, known as the "X-100," in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, is permanently housed at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. It is not on public display in a traditional sense but is preserved and stored within the museum's vast collection, accessible to researchers and occasionally featured in special exhibits.
Following the tragic event in Dealey Plaza, the limousine was returned to the White House garage. It underwent a significant secretive overhaul by Hess & Eisenhart, the company that originally customized it. The car was heavily armored, given a permanent fixed roof (replacing the original removable transparent top), and refinished in a dark blue—a stark contrast to its original navy blue. It remained in active service for three more presidents (Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter) until its official retirement in 1977. The U.S. Government transferred ownership to The Henry Ford in 1978.
The museum's approach to the vehicle is one of solemn preservation rather than sensationalism. They treat it as a complex historical artifact that represents both the pinnacle of presidential transportation and a profound national tragedy. Its storage reflects a respectful balance between preserving a key piece of American history and acknowledging the sensitive nature of the object.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|
| Vehicle Model | 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine (SS-100-X) |
| Current Location | The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan |
| Original Customizer | Hess & Eisenhart Company, Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Post-1963 Refit | Armor plating, fixed roof, upgraded powertrain |
| Presidential Service | Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter |
| Retirement Year | 1977 |
| Acquisition by Museum | 1978 |
