Interesting five-page article on improvements to Secret Service since Dallas, with a focus on the Lincoln Continental limousine in which Kennedy was riding. The car’s new bulletproofing “guarantees that what happened in Dallas couldn’t happen again—not that way, at least.” Noting the current temperament, Kraslow predicted: “From a security standpoint, the 1968 campaign will be a sensitive time.” (lead-off spread shown)

eneral cockpit history of Presidential aircraft: witness to major summits, triumphant overseas tours, wild political campaigns, wistful journeys home with outgoing Presidents, and tragedies. Col. Albertazzie, pilot during the full Nixon administration, sheds insight on the China trip and Nixon’s flight home on resigning. Chapter “November 22” on Air Force One becoming focus of tragedy as the afternoon wore on, citing impressions of newsman Charles Roberts and taking issue with some depictions in The Death of a President. Having disconnected ground air conditioning in preparation for flight, the atmosphere grew oppressively hot, perhaps an omen of what was to ensue. Attributes “myth” of Johnson’s rough-shod takeover to misunderstandings between staffers, and Kennedy’s people venting angst, not LBJ. Suggests some Kennedy aides were turf-sensitive about Air Force One being used by Johnson; but book argues “it is inconceivable that the new President use a backup plane so that SAM 26000 could serve as a hearse.” Oath-taking “technically unnecessary” but “psychological astute,” proof Johnson was “in tune with America’s need.” Faults Manchester for describing use of Kennedy’s “personal” Bible; instead a Catholic missal (unopened and a gift received during the trip) was used. Makes notes of six Kennedy men present in photos of the swearing-in, collapsing Manchester’s claim of none. Thoughtfulness shown to Johnson here typical of book’s approach throughout; filled with anecdotes about the Presidents, their guests and noteworthy flights. Every designated Presidential aircraft since 1944 is fully described as to construction, air worthiness and customized features. Hardcover, 350 pages, 33 B/W photos. Bantam paperback March 1980.

OUR-PAGE retrospective on automobiles and the Presidency, beginning with first ride by a sitting President (McKinley) on July 13, 1901. Teddy Roosevelt cool to new contraption, but Taft converted the White House stables into a garage. Wilson purchased several Pierce-Arrows, and Harding was the first qualified driver elected President. Franklin Roosevelt purchased for his own use a Ford with hand controls. In 1939, the first limo built to Secret Service specs arrived, a massive Lincoln V12 convertible dubbed the Sunshine Special. In 1950, Ford supplied a custom-built stretch Lincoln Cosmopolitan; when Eisenhower had a dome-shaped plexiglas roof installed over the rear, the car came to be called the Bubbletop. In June of 1961, Kennedy took delivery of the most famous Presidential limo of all, a custom-built stretch 1961 Lincoln Continental. The X-100 had several unique features, including a hydraulic rearseat lift and three interchangeable roofs of cloth, plastic and metal. The article includes a color photo of JFK riding in the X-100 during a parade and a black-and-white photo of the car with some of its roof sections displayed in the foreground. In the wake of Dallas, the car was rebuilt, incorporating more armor and a fixed roof of bulletproof glass. The 1972 Lincoln Continental custom-built stretch that arrived in 1974 was present at the assassination attempt on Ford by Moore and that of Reagan by Hinckley. A 1983 Cadillac stretch served Reagan and Bush, its raised roof of tinted glass resembling a greenhouse. A 1989 Lincoln Town Car stretch (shown above right) was the latest, arriving January 1989. These later cars, the author notes, will eventually be destroyed to test their armor and to protect “vehicle confidentiality.” (lead-off spread shown)

rom publisher of automotive speciality books, a comprehensive look at executive transportation from horseback to the Air Force One Boeing 747s. All the President’s trains, yachts and even some private aircraft are included. Most of the ink goes towards the Presidential limousines, including a chapter on the Kennedy administration and the various cars used by the First Couple. The famous “X-100” Lincoln Continental parade limousine, in which JFK died, is detailed from its origins, 1964 rebuilding and retirement to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. Dallas put an end to the beautiful open-top parade cars and the excitement of seeing upclose the President. Extreme minutia, right down to including the three stretch 1950s Imperial phaetons Chrysler maintained as parade cars in key cities. The taxi used by Oswald during his escape is photographed at the Pate Museum in Fort Worth. Large-format hardcover, 160 pages, 18 color and 136 B/W photos, 5 illus.

rom automotive speciality publisher, an insightful retrospective of Lincoln’s glorious post-war renaissance and luxury-car eminence. Spotlights all the makes and models, plus performance, styling and accessory innovations; and chapters on the “hot-rod Lincoln” and mostly-elegant Marks. One chapter on specialized-stretch executive Lincolns, including those select few preferred as official Presidential parade cars; in particular FDR’s “Sunshine Special,” Ike’s “Bubble Top” Cosmopolitan and Kennedy’s fateful “X-100” Continental. Generalized look, but there’s a wealth of performance and model specifications on the Continental in other chapters. Large-format softcover, 160 pages, over 150 B/W photos.

our-page article profiles newest official Presidential limousine, which just happened to be delivered the week Clinton handed reins over to Bush. Cadillac and Secret Service hush-hush over details concerning the intensely-modified four-ton Cadillac DeVille. Writer decodes some features, such as use of LeSabre door handles for better leverage opening weighty armored doors, and larger tires to accommodate run-flat tires. Windows do not open, affording environmental seal against chemical or germ attacks. Dark leather reclining seats with built-in massage are among its creature comforts. No mention of JFK assassination. (lead-off page shown)

Special Report on Air Force One, fueled by excerpts from Walsh’s new book on subject and photos of various Presidents in flight. Good capsulation from modest beginnings to “most famous moment” (LBJ oath) to today’s overkill. Eight pages include a two-page spread of “exploded” view of current 747 (one of two available; seems there’s no parachute pod).