Was the Limo of Al Capone seized and then used as the first armored presidential limo? – Jalopnik

During the 12 years of Franklin D. Roosevelt as American president, cars became much more than just transport in the White House. They served as symbols of visibility, safety and presidential authority. Although Polio left Roosevelt without the use of his legs, he was an enthusiastic motorist and refused to leave the steering wheel. A number of his personal cars were therefore equipped with adapted hand controls, so that he could enjoy the freedom of driving.

During the time of FDR in the White House, the presidential fleet of cars expanded considerably, which is not a big surprise, given the impressive growth of the car industry around this time. However, not everyone was not for their personal pleasure. The tensions were warmed up on the world stage, so the issue of protection while he was on his way became increasingly important.

The importance of armored protection became clear after the attack of 7 December 1941 on Pearl Harbor, and here a particularly fascinating chapter of car history is included – or not. Probably, after the attack, Roosevelt was transported in none other than a confiscated limousine that once belonged to the notorious gangster Al Capone, taken by the Treasury Department years earlier. While Roosevelt had many of his own cars, Capone’s Limo was partially armored and is said to have joined a time when Roosevelt’s own “Sunshine Special” was changed with improved protection.

Some have their doubts about this story, but whether it is true or not, it still emphasizes an interesting time in history. And the start of armored presidential cars marks the first step to cars such as the presidential “beast” Limo that produced many years later.

The Capone story connects it in a bizarre way with Roosevelt. The favorite car of the gangster was a Cadillac from 1928 with a 341-cubic inch V8. According to the secret service agent Michael F. Reilly, by the White House Historical AssociationRoosevelt trusted a vehicle with a “dubious reputation” for his dramatic journey the day after Pearl Harbor from the White House to the Capitol, where he asked the congress to explain the war. Reilly’s account is where the rumor first appeared, which implied that the Roosevelt Capone’s ’28 was Caddy. The vehicle was held by the Treasury Department after the conviction of the gangster from 1931 for tax evasion.

It is easy to see why the story got a grip, because Capone’s car had everything that Roosevelt needed. It was equipped with bulletproof glass, had a lot of space inside and hey, it was at hand. The story also fits neatly in the urgency of the moment, when the secret service suddenly realized that Roosevelt needed a higher level of protection during the road.

Photos from December 8, 1941, however, tell us a different story. These show Roosevelt who rides in a semi-armed Cadillac from 1938-a car that had long been in the Arsenal of the White House. Unlike Capone’s Caddy, these animals were V16-driven and are one of the few production cars that are offered with a V16 engine that sits next to creations, such as those who will use the 21st-century V16 of Bugatti. Roosevelt had around 8,000 pounds and equipped with protective glass and had two of the cars at 1938 at his disposal, nicknamed “Queen Mary” and “Queen Elizabeth.” Whether the president has ever used the Cadillac of Capone is now unknown, although most agree that it is unlikely.