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seat that could be raised 10 " to elevate the president and improve his visibility; large heating and air conditioning system with auxiliary blowers and 2 control panels; four retractable steps for Secret Service agents; two steps on rear bumper for additional agents; flashing red lights, siren; indicator lights when door was ajar or steps remained out; two radio telephones; interior floodlights, two flashing spotlights recessed into the front bumper and Firestone bullet resistant tires. Remarkably, no armor plating was added since it was primarily considered a parade' car and the purpose was visibility rather than protection.

Non-safety amenities were: dark blue broadcloth lap robes with gray plush lining and hand-embroidered presidential seals in special door pockets; blue Mouton rug in rear; auxiliary jump seats for extra passengers; two flagstaffs on the front fenders,
The original, stock Continental had a typical retail price of $7,000. By the time it was delivered to the White House the work on the price tag on the vehicle had increased $200,000. Today, of course, if Ford wanted to sell it, this famous car would be hammered down at several times that price. It was leased to the Secret Service in 1961 for a token $500 a year.
After the Kennedy assassination, Ford sent the car to Hess & Eisenhardt again to make safety and redesign improvements. The Secret Service, and The White House had come to the realization that the vehicle's basic design for visibility as a parade car had been wrong. The new work included fitting with titanium armor, bulletproof glass, run-flat tires that had aluminum rims inside. A permanent hardtop replace the bubble top.
SS 100X emerged 2000 pounds above the weight it had on November 22, 1963. It now topped 9,800 pounds.
Continental was being modified.
While the work was being done, President Johnson used a bulletproof limousine owned by FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.

The reconditioned Kennedy Death Car returned to White House service in 1964, and was successively used by presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Carter. A third trip to Hess & Eisenhardt in January 1967 added additional safety improvements. A decade later, the historic and tragic vehicle was replaced by its owner, Ford Motor Company, in 1977.

The SS 100X now resides and is on view at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
the assassination.

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