Presidential Cars: The Car-Loving Commanders of the White House
by AutoExpert | 2 April, 2024
Okay, quick question: what's one of the bummer parts about being President? You get this super fancy limo, but you never get to actually drive anything cool. Like, ever.
Yeah, the Secret Service isn't about to let the President cruise down the street without serious backup – security reasons and all. But some Presidents love cars as much as the rest of us, so what then?
Let's take a little trip back in time and check out some of the White House's biggest car enthusiasts:
1. Joe Biden: The Corvette Man
You've probably heard Joe Biden loves his 1967 Corvette Stingray. This thing isn't just a car to him, it's practically a family member! His dad owned a Chevy dealership, so Corvettes were kinda in his blood.
Thing is, the no-driving rule's been around since his VP days. He only gets special permission for short supervised spins...like when he showed it off on "Jay Leno's Garage" back in 2016. And hey, at least he got to tool around in that sweet electric Jeep Wrangler on the White House lawn a while back.
2. George W. Bush: All About the Trucks
Turns out W. Bush is a Ford F-150 kinda guy. He's owned a few over the years, and even auctioned a tricked-out one for charity back in 2017. Nice move there!
He also got to show off his 2013 F-150 on "Jay Leno's Garage" (that guy gets all the cool guests!). Thing was all scratched up too... proof it was actually used on his Texas ranch, not just for show.
3. Ronald Reagan: Subaru's Secret Tester
This is a wild one! Back in 1980, Subaru was trying to break into the US market and had this new pickup called the Brat. Now, a President driving a Japanese car back then? Big no-no.
So, they basically snuck Reagan a test model to try out on his ranch. Reagan, already a Jeep lover, got to beat this thing up, all while sending Subaru feedback. How's that for a side gig?
4. Richard Nixon: When Image Isn't Everything
Nixon figured owning a big ol' 1950 Oldsmobile 98 would make him seem more down-to-earth, like he understood the struggles of the working class. Um, that V8 engine kinda contradicted the whole idea, dude...
We all know how his story ended – the car didn't boost his popularity much!
5. Lyndon Johnson: The Prankster President
Johnson was the last President actually allowed to drive on public roads. Sadly, after JFK's assassination, those days were over. But this guy had a seriously unique ride...
Ever heard of an Amphicar? Like, it drives on land and water. And get this: Johnson loved to scare the heck out of his passengers by pretending the brakes failed and speeding right toward the lake on his ranch. Only then, BAM, they'd be floating!
And of course...
Things are getting interesting with all the talk of electric cars. Biden even hinted at an electric Corvette! Wonder what the next President's ride of choice will be...