The Complete History of the Presidential State Car

The Bubble Roof

The state car got a bubble roof in 1954, which was clear. This predated the Porsche Targa, which would later popularize the bubble roof. This came from the fact that Dwight Eisenhower was not a fan of the convertible top on the 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan. His predecessor Harry Truman had ridden in the vehicle without any complaints. Apparently, Eisenhower’s problems with the car stemmed from the fact that attendees along a Richmond, Virginia, parade route were not able to see him. This bubble roof state car stayed in service until 1965.