The Complete History of the Presidential State Car

Later Modifications to the Sunshine Special

Because the Sunshine Special was in use for many years, it underwent several modifications to remain up to the standards of the Secret Service. In 1941, the top was lowered three inches for aesthetic reasons. The 1942 adjustments had more to do with security following Pearl Harbor. This is when it got its one-inch-thick proof glass, red warning lights, a compartment for defensive measures, a radio transceiver, and inner tubes that were flat-proof and metal-clad. Those modifications increased its length by six feet and its weight up to 9,300 pounds.