Sunshine Special (automobile)

FDR's 1939 Lincoln K series Presidential Limousine

The Sunshine Special is a modified 1939 Lincoln Model K limousine that was used as the official state car by United States presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Said to have been the "First Presidential car to acquire its own personality", and most closely associated with FDR,[1] the V12 powered four-door convertible was specifically modified for the president by coachbuilder Brunn & Company at a cost of $4,950, $108,426 in 2023 dollars [2] (the original cost of the car, before any modifications, was $8,348.74, $182,879 in 2023 dollars [2].[3]

Initially called "Old 99," in reference to a number on its first license plate, it was later nicknamed the "Sunshine Special"[4] for its convertible roof. In spite of a previous assassination attempt on Roosevelt while riding in a Buick convertible, the president still famously enjoyed appearing in the Lincoln as an open car in parades and public gatherings.

  1. ^ Siuru, William D. and Stewart, Andrea. Presidential Cars and Transportation. Krause Publications, 1995, p. 36.
  2. ^ a b 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  3. ^ Siuru, William D. and Stewart, Andrea. Presidential Cars and Transportation. Krause Publications, 1995, p. 37.
  4. ^ Siuru, William D. and Stewart, Andrea. Presidential Cars and Transportation. Krause Publications, 1995, p. 36. The first use of the nickname is unknown, but it was most likely in a photo caption.