A rare piece of American political and automotive history has found a new home after selling for nearly $300,000 to a private collector. The vehicle—a 1964 Imperial Crown Presidential Limousine—was once used by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy during President John F. Kennedy’s funeral procession and later by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
The sale was confirmed Thursday by Daniel Schmitt & Co. Classic Car Gallery, which brokered the deal to a business executive buyer. The limo, custom-built by Chrysler and finished by famed Italian coachbuilder Ghia, is one of only 132 models produced between 1957 and 1965, and one of just 10 specially commissioned by the White House in 1961.
“This is a vehicle with irreplaceable historical significance,” said Daniel Schmitt, owner of the collector car gallery. “It served a critical role during one of America’s most pivotal moments.”
Finished in Lemon Twist yellow with a black leather and gray wool interior, the limousine was driven during JFK’s funeral procession to Arlington National Cemetery on November 25, 1963. It remained in use by Mrs. Kennedy for nearly a year and was later used by Johnson during his presidency, including his inauguration.
With just over 15,000 miles on the odometer, the car remains in remarkably original condition. Features include a 413-cubic-inch V8 engine, power windows, a rear radio control, and two pullout seats in the rear compartment designed for interpreters or aides.
The limousine was later returned to Chrysler before passing through several private hands, including a Michigan dealership and an oil company, before joining a world-class collection.
“This is more than a luxury car,” said Schmitt spokesperson Steve Turner. “It’s a rolling artifact of American history.”
The car’s sale underscores growing demand among collectors for historically significant presidential vehicles. The sale follows similar attention garnered by JFK’s more famous parade car, the 1961 Lincoln Continental X-100, which is now on display at The Henry Ford Museum.
Elizabeth Puckett