In 1961 , President Kennedy began use of a modified 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible , bodied by Hess & Eisenhardt of Cincinnati , Ohio . Code-named SS-100-X , the Lincoln was an open car , designed with a set of interchangeable tops , including a black formal-profile top , plexiglass roof sections and a stainless-steel targa top for the driver 's compartment . In presidential parades and motorcades , the limousine was often used as an open car ( to avoid stress on the cooling system ) . In the open configuration , John F. Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963 . Following the Kennedy assassination , SS-100X was initially investigated for evidence ; in early 1964 , the vehicle was released to Hess & Eisenhardt , effectively becoming remanufactured . Distinguished by a shift from navy blue to black paint and the permanent fitment of a roof , SS-100X underwent extensive security modifications , adding armor plating and bulletproof glass . Retired from front-line service in 1967 , the 1961 limousine remained in service until 1977 , used by Presidents Johnson , Richard M. Nixon , Gerald R. Ford , and Jimmy Carter . SS-100X is on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn , Michigan , along with the Sunshine Special
assassinated
Assassination of John F. Kennedy
Lincoln Motor Company