Historic 1962 "Kennedy Bubbletop" Presidential Limousine Offered At RM Auction's Arizona Sale

Rare White House Presidential "Bubbletop" Lincoln Limousine Built For Mrs. Kennedy Headed to Auction Block For First Time at RM's Arizona Biltmore Sale -- January 28, 2005

BLENHEIM, Ontario, Canada (PRWEB) November 27, 2004 -- RM Auctions will once again make history when one of the most significant Presidential vehicles ever presented for auction rolls across the block on January 28, 2005 at the 6th Annual Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona sale. Known as the First Lady's Bubbletop," this black 1962 Lincoln Continental Limousine was designed by Ford Motor Companys Advance Vehicle division and built in 1961 by Hess & Eisenhardt of Cincinnati, Ohio, for use by U.S. President John F. Kennedy, the first lady, Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy and visiting dignitaries.

Specially ordered for the White House fleet, the Bubbletop" is one of the rarest Lincoln Continental sedans in existence with this unique see-through top option. Although this car is not armored, it is designed with a transparent roof over the rear-seat compartment covering to protect its occupants from the elements and allow them to still be visible to the public. It also has a one-piece black plastic skin" that can be attached over the bubbletop to transform the vehicle into a true closed limousine.

This is undoubtedly the most historically significant car ever sold by RM," says Rob Myers of RM Auctions. The Bubbletop might be the most important presidential car ever offered at auction. The list of dignitaries who have used vehicle is extensive and we expect there will be considerable interest in this rare piece of American history."

Used by the White House from 1962 through early 1969, the Kennedy Bubbletop" was the preferred transport of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. During its White House tenure, the Bubbletop also carried Pope Paul VI, Mrs. Lopez Mateos (First Lady of Mexico), President Lyndon B. Johnson, Vice Presidents Hubert Humphrey and Spiro Agnew, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and the Apollo 8 astronauts and their wives.

The one-of-a-kind Continental Sedan, built with the chassis and underbody of a convertible, has a number of special features including:
· Sirens and red lights integrated into the bumper
· Windows made of Herculite" safety glass
· Two radios -- front and rear -- a rear-seat telephone, and two air conditioning systems
· A partition with divider windows separating front- and rear-seat occupants
· Flag stanchions located in the front fenders
· Black leather front seat with baby blue leather/wool fabric rear seat
· Two spotlights focused into rear compartment to illuminate its occupants at night

Following its tour of duty at the White House, the car was on public display at several U.S. museums until 1985 when it was purchased by and prominently displayed at the renowned Imperial Palace Auto Collection in Las Vegas. After several years in the spotlight the car resided in a private collection and maintained its museum quality condition.

RM Auctions 6th Annual Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona Auction will be held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday, January 28th, 2005 from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Vehicles can be previewed beginning Thursday morning January 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and starting at 9:00 a.m. Friday. Admission is $30 per person with children under 12 admitted free of charge. An auction catalog is available for $50 (U.S.) including shipping and handling within North America, by calling 800-211-4371.

Celebrating 25 years in the collector car industry, RM Auctions, Inc. and its sister companies are responsible for acquisition, restoration and sales of the worlds rarest and most expensive vintage automobiles including Best of Show winning cars at the prestigious Meadow Brook and Pebble Beach Concours. For additional information on RM Auctions, Inc., please call (800) 211-4371 or visit the corporate web site at www.rmauctions.com

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