10 Most Legendary Cars Owned By US Presidents

Presidential car collections reveal their owners’ personalities and passions. From FDR’s Packard to Trump’s Lamborghini, these vehicles symbolize power, style, and history—some now rare collector’s items worth hundreds of thousands. Here’s a look at the most iconic cars owned by US presidents.
Key Takeaway:
- U.S. presidents have owned a diverse range of iconic cars, from classic American muscle to rare European exotics. Some, like Biden’s Corvette and JFK’s Thunderbird, hold sentimental value, while others, like Trump’s Lamborghini, reflect a taste for high-performance luxury.
Of the 47 US presidents, only 19 have personally owned and driven cars. Some were true enthusiasts, with a deep passion for automobiles that extended beyond mere transportation. Among them, Lyndon B. Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Joe Biden and Donald Trump have demonstrated a particularly strong affinity for classic, luxury, and high-performance vehicles. From vintage Cadillacs to sports cars and even amphibious vehicles, the presidential garage tells a fascinating story of American automotive history.
(Verified historical sources: The National Archives, The Henry Ford Museum, and automotive databases such as Hagerty and Hemmings.)
Contents
1. 1930s Cadillac V-16 – Herbert Hoover
The 31st president of the United States had a taste for luxury, and his 1930s Cadillac V-16 was a prime example. Featuring a massive 7.4-liter V16 engine producing 175 horsepower, the V-16 was one of the most opulent and powerful cars of its era. Unfortunately, the Great Depression significantly impacted Cadillac’s sales, and the model became a rare collectible. Hoover’s Cadillac remains one of the most prestigious presidential cars of all time and is currently valued at over $500,000 in the collector market.
(Primary source: General Motors historical records.)
2. 1961 Ford Thunderbird – John F. Kennedy
At his inauguration, President John F. Kennedy proudly showcased his personal 1961 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. This third-generation Thunderbird, known as the “Bullet Bird,” featured a 300-horsepower 390 CID V8 and a sleek design. Ford even produced 50 limited-edition models dubbed the Mahogany Thunderbird Convertible or “Presidential Edition,” although there is limited documentation on the exact specifications of these editions.
JFK personally drove this car before his presidency, emphasizing his appreciation for American engineering. Today, a well-maintained 1961 Thunderbird can fetch between $50,000 to $100,000 at auctions.
(Primary sources: Ford Motor Company archives, Barrett-Jackson Auction.)
3. 1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost – Woodrow Wilson
President Woodrow Wilson’s 1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was one of the most luxurious cars of its time. Featuring a 453.3 CID straight-six engine and a four-speed manual transmission, the Silver Ghost was known for its durability and refined engineering. Wilson’s model was modified with a special windshield and roof to accommodate his iconic top hat.
The car remains on display at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and is appraised at approximately $1 million due to its historical significance.
(Source: The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library.)
4. 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible – Bill Clinton
Before moving into the White House, Bill Clinton cherished his fully restored 1967 Ford Mustang Convertible. Painted in Clearwater Aqua, this Mustang featured a 200-cubic inch inline-six engine producing 120 horsepower. Clinton later gifted the vehicle to his nephew, but the Mustang now resides in the Museum of Automobiles, preserved as a piece of American history.
Valued between $30,000 to $50,000, this Mustang stands as a representation of classic American muscle with presidential history.
(Source: Museum of Automobiles, Clinton Presidential Library.)
5. 1936 Ford Phaeton – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1936 Ford Phaeton was more than just a stylish ride—it was modified to accommodate his mobility needs. With a striking dark blue exterior and a cream leather interior, this Phaeton cost Roosevelt only $850 at the time. Today, after traveling 19,143 miles, it remains on display at the Presidential Library and Museum.
This specific model is valued at approximately $200,000 due to its modifications and historical relevance.
(Source: Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library.)
6. Amphicar – Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson had one of the most unique presidential cars ever—the Amphicar, an amphibious vehicle capable of driving on land and floating on water. Only 4,000 of these rare cars were ever made, making it a true collector’s item. Johnson famously pranked guests by pretending his brakes had failed and then driving straight into a lake, showcasing the Amphicar’s dual capabilities.
These vehicles currently fetch between $75,000 to $150,000 at auctions, depending on condition.
(Source: LBJ Ranch National Historic Park.)
7. 1952 Willys M-38A1 – Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan was a Jeep enthusiast and owned several models, including the rare 1952 Willys M-38A1. This military-inspired vehicle featured the first-ever Willys Hurricane F-Head 134 engine and was produced for just one year. While not the most comfortable or fastest vehicle, Reagan’s Jeep reflected his rugged, outdoorsman persona.
These models typically range from $15,000 to $40,000 in today’s collector market.
(Source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.)
8. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C2 – Joe Biden
President Joe Biden’s love for cars is well documented, and his prized 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C2 holds a special place in his heart. Gifted to him by his father as a wedding present, Biden has meticulously maintained the car for over 50 years. Featuring a 327 V8 engine producing 300 horsepower, the C2 is one of the most beloved muscle cars of all time.
This model is valued at $80,000 to $150,000 in pristine condition.
(Source: Biden’s public interviews, Mecum Auctions.)
9. 1939 Packard Twelve – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Another standout vehicle from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s collection is the 1939 Packard Twelve. Equipped with a 12-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower, this vehicle was the epitome of luxury and elegance. With a finely crafted leather interior and special New York governor’s fleet insignia, Roosevelt’s Packard Twelve remains an iconic piece of presidential automotive history.
Estimated market value: $300,000–$600,000.
(Source: Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library.)
10. 1997 Lamborghini Diablo – Donald Trump
Of all the presidents, Donald Trump arguably has one of the most extensive car collections. His 1997 Lamborghini Diablo stands out as a rare gem, featuring a Le Mans Blue paint job and a 500-horsepower V12 engine. This Italian supercar is a testament to Trump’s taste for high-performance luxury vehicles and remains a prized collector’s item today.
Lamborghini Diablo models range from $200,000 to $400,000 depending on rarity and condition.
(Source: Auction records, Trump’s past interviews.)
The Legacy of Presidential Cars
From American muscle to European luxury, the cars owned by U.S. presidents tell a fascinating story of style, power, and history. Whether it’s Joe Biden’s classic Corvette, JFK’s sleek Thunderbird, or Trump’s rare Lamborghini, these vehicles offer a unique glimpse into the personal lives of the nation’s leaders. Many of these cars have become valuable collector’s items, cementing their place in both automotive and presidential history.
(All auction values are estimates based on Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, and Hagerty price guides as of 2024.)
What Are The Most Iconic Cars Owned by US Presidents?
Notable examples include John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Ford Thunderbird, Joe Biden’s 1967 Corvette Stingray, and Donald Trump’s 1997 Lamborghini Diablo. These presidential cars showcase history, luxury, and performance, with values reaching over $500,000.
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