JFK Limousine At Bonhams Auction. New York Sale Has Two Cars Of John F Kennedy
A John F Kennedy limousine for sale at auction, not just one but Bonhams have a choice of two.
Bonhams have acqured as part of their New York sale two historically important Lincolns limousines that carried President John F. Kennedy. These two lots are part of the Bonhams American Presidential Experience Auction in New York on Wednesday, October 14.
The two cars are part of the American Presidential Experience Collection. This was the travelling educational exhibition, which has toured the USA for more than 20 years. Founded by entrepreneur Jim Warlick. He turned a hobby from his childhood of collecting political memorabilia.
This eventually turned into an interesting business. Later this became an unrivalled museum exhibition of Presidential memorabilia.
Enthusiast have the opportunity to create their own Presidential motorcade with either offering. But it’s not just the two cars, there are a couple of other very interesting offerings.
1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible “Limo One”
The first of the two cars is a white 1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible. “Limo One” was the final car to safely carry the Persident on the morning of November 22nd 1963 in Fort Worth. No it’s not the other one…
Many photographs show the President, First Lady and Texas Governor John Connally being driven past waving crowds in the white Lincoln. The car took them from a breakfast at the Hotel Texas Ballroom in Fort Worth, where Kennedy delivered his last speech, to Carswell Air Force Base where they boarded their flight to Dallas.
The Lincoln was oriignally loaned by Bill Golightly, of Golightly Auto Sales, as an official vehicle. Denoted as “Fort Worth Limo” for the Kennedys’ time in Fort Worth. From late in the day on November 21 and in the morning of November 22, 1963. Not long, but it was to become a rather significant vehicle in a short time.
The limousine has had some restoration work to the body and paint. It also has a replacement engine, but most of the interior, including the red leather seats, is original.
For sale by auction for an estimated $300,000 – 500,000.
1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V Executive Limousine - John F Kennedy Personal Car
The second Lincoln limousine was JFK’s own car. A Lincoln Mark V was customized by Hess and Eisenhardt for Lincoln. Featuring bullet proof doors, divider window, passenger air controls, power steering and brakes, and not common for the time, a two-way telephone in the back seat.
Ford leased the car to the White House for $500 a year. The limousine was the Predients personal vehicle in Washington, DC. It was later offered to the public through used dealerships. this was following President Johnson’s decision to replace the White House cars.
Purchased in March of 1964 by Dr. James C. Walsh, who had known the late president. Dr Walsh later confirmed in a letter that President Kennedy used this car for his own personal transport. This was in addition to the official use of the larger White House limousine.
Much restoration has been done to the car. The bodywork has been restored, with a cost of approximately $35,000. However, the car retains the original interior. The beige leather seats and matching carpeting contrasting with the black paintwork. And of course, it still has the telephone.
Auction estimate $200,000 – 300,000.
A Replica of the Kennedy-era Air Force One
Kennedy ushers in the jet age…
A full sized replica of the famous Air Force one using a of the fuselage Boeing 707 retrofitted as a replica of SAM 26000, John F. Kennedy’s Air Force One. The first jet engined plane to be fitted for the President.
The replica includes the full cockpit, crew officers’ workstations, the state room where Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as President and the President’s quarters. It recreates in minute detail the original designs by Raymond Loewy, who created the distinct blue livery which has been used for all Air Force One airplanes since.
It is expected to fetch somewhere betwenn $200,000 and 300,000.
The Oval Office
Now I have been in need of somewhere to write Jalopy from. The current set up isn’t pretty, but I do need something more fitting that represents the status of the magazine. I think I’ve found it.
This is a full-scale copy of the Oval Office, one of the most famous rooms in the world. It comes complete with with wooden panels, fireplace and furniture. Importantly a scale fine wood reproduction of the Resolute Desk. This is where the President conducts his business and gives presidential addresses to the nation. Or where Nicholas Cage finds and old artefact in National Treasure 2 (the sequal)…
This replica has been used as a set for television programmes such as The Today Show and Saturday Night Live. So it has a sort of fame of its own.
I’m going to start a cowdfunding capain to buy it for Jalopy. Getting it mailed over could be expensive…
The estimate is $40,000 – 60,000.
The collection also includes John F. Kennedy’s Air Force One Bomber Jacket Given to David Powers, estimate $200,000 – 300,000.
Thanks to Bonhams for the use of the images and good luck with the John F Kennedy limousine sale.
Simon
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