Explore the fascinating history of "The Beast," the Presidential limousine, from its Cadillac origins to its evolution as a symbol of luxury, security, and American craftsmanship.

The Beast: Unveiling the Story Behind the Presidential Limousine

Explore the fascinating history of “The Beast,” the Presidential limousine, from its Cadillac origins to its evolution as a symbol of luxury, security, and American craftsmanship.

As Donald J. Trump is inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, one of his most notable companions takes center stage: the Presidential limousine, famously nicknamed “The Beast.”

This state-of-the-art, heavily armored Cadillac symbolizes luxury, security, and American craftsmanship, continuing a century-long tradition of U.S. Presidents riding in Cadillacs.

The history of Presidential Cadillacs dates back to 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson rode in a Series 53 Cadillac limousine during a post-WWI parade in Boston.

Over the years, other automakers contributed to Presidential fleets, with William McKinley being the first to ride in a motor car—a Stanley Motor Carriage steam vehicle in 1901.

Cadillac convertibles like the “Queen Mary” and “Queen Elizabeth,” introduced in 1938, served Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower.

These massive 21.5-foot, 7,660-pound vehicles were outfitted with advanced features for the era, including two-way radios and ammunition stores. Later, models such as the Cadillac Fleetwood and Fleetwood Brougham transported Presidents Reagan and Clinton.

The moniker “The Beast” was coined in 2001 for President George W. Bush’s custom-built Cadillac limousine. Designed by General Motors in collaboration with the U.S. Secret Service, it combined cutting-edge security with the Cadillac DeVille’s signature design elements.

In 2009, President Obama’s version, codenamed “Cadillac One,” featured cues from the Cadillac DTS. The latest iteration debuted in 2018 during President Trump’s New York City visit, modeled on the Cadillac CT6.

President Trump’s connection to Cadillac runs deep. Speaking in Michigan last September, he reminisced about his father, Fred Trump, who was a lifelong Cadillac enthusiast. “His biggest luxury in life was to get a brand-new, dark blue Cadillac every two years,” Trump shared, expressing his own admiration for the brand and its legacy of excellence.

“The Beast” not only embodies unparalleled security but also carries forward a storied tradition of Cadillacs as Presidential icons.

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