Presidential Cars: The Car-Loving Commanders of the White House

by AutoExpert   |  2 April, 2024

Share :

Okay, quick question: what's one of the bummer parts about being President? You get this super fancy limo, but you never get to actually drive anything cool. Like, ever.

Yeah, the Secret Service isn't about to let the President cruise down the street without serious backup – security reasons and all. But some Presidents love cars as much as the rest of us, so what then?

Let's take a little trip back in time and check out some of the White House's biggest car enthusiasts:

1. Joe Biden: The Corvette Man

You've probably heard Joe Biden loves his 1967 Corvette Stingray. This thing isn't just a car to him, it's practically a family member! His dad owned a Chevy dealership, so Corvettes were kinda in his blood.

Presidential Cars

Thing is, the no-driving rule's been around since his VP days. He only gets special permission for short supervised spins...like when he showed it off on "Jay Leno's Garage" back in 2016. And hey, at least he got to tool around in that sweet electric Jeep Wrangler on the White House lawn a while back.

Presidential Cars

2. George W. Bush: All About the Trucks

Turns out W. Bush is a Ford F-150 kinda guy. He's owned a few over the years, and even auctioned a tricked-out one for charity back in 2017. Nice move there!

Presidential Cars

He also got to show off his 2013 F-150 on "Jay Leno's Garage" (that guy gets all the cool guests!). Thing was all scratched up too... proof it was actually used on his Texas ranch, not just for show.

Presidential Cars

3. Ronald Reagan: Subaru's Secret Tester

This is a wild one! Back in 1980, Subaru was trying to break into the US market and had this new pickup called the Brat. Now, a President driving a Japanese car back then? Big no-no.

So, they basically snuck Reagan a test model to try out on his ranch. Reagan, already a Jeep lover, got to beat this thing up, all while sending Subaru feedback. How's that for a side gig?

Presidential Cars

4. Richard Nixon: When Image Isn't Everything

Nixon figured owning a big ol' 1950 Oldsmobile 98 would make him seem more down-to-earth, like he understood the struggles of the working class. Um, that V8 engine kinda contradicted the whole idea, dude...

Presidential Cars

We all know how his story ended – the car didn't boost his popularity much!

Presidential Cars

5. Lyndon Johnson: The Prankster President

Johnson was the last President actually allowed to drive on public roads. Sadly, after JFK's assassination, those days were over. But this guy had a seriously unique ride...

Presidential Cars

Ever heard of an Amphicar? Like, it drives on land and water. And get this: Johnson loved to scare the heck out of his passengers by pretending the brakes failed and speeding right toward the lake on his ranch. Only then, BAM, they'd be floating!

And of course...

Things are getting interesting with all the talk of electric cars. Biden even hinted at an electric Corvette! Wonder what the next President's ride of choice will be...

Recomended:

Those Black Dots Around Your Windshield Have Been Hiding Several Important Jobs - Photo
Others
Those Black Dots Around Your Windshield Have Been Hiding Several Important Jobs

They run around the edge of almost every modern windshield: a solid black border that gradually breaks into smaller and smaller dots before disappearing into clear glass.Most drivers have stared t

AutoExpert
Your Tire Pressure Rose on the Highway. Put the Gauge Down Before Letting Air Out - Photo
Tips & Tricks
Your Tire Pressure Rose on the Highway. Put the Gauge Down Before Letting Air Out

The sticker inside the driver’s door says 35 PSI. After an hour on the highway, the dashboard says 39. Four extra pounds of pressure sounds like a problem. The tires were set correctly that morn

AutoExpert
Your Fresh Engine Oil Turned Black Already. Should You Be Worried? - Photo
Others
Your Fresh Engine Oil Turned Black Already. Should You Be Worried?

Fresh motor oil is reassuring stuff. It pours from the bottle in a clear amber stream, looking clean enough to belong in a kitchen rather than an engine.A few hundred miles later, the dipstick can

AutoExpert
The 2027 Toyota Tundra Gets The Upgrade It Needed Most - Photo
Car News
The 2027 Toyota Tundra Gets The Upgrade It Needed Most

Hoping to boost the Tundra's appeal, Toyota has introduced new features and a new Trailhunter model for 2027.Designed for overlanding enthusiasts, the new Trailhunter package is based on the S

AutoExpert
That Tiny Slot Beside Your Shifter Has a Job Most Drivers Never Discover - Photo
Others
That Tiny Slot Beside Your Shifter Has a Job Most Drivers Never Discover

A dead battery is annoying in any parking space. It becomes considerably more awkward when the car is nose-first inside a garage and the tow truck needs it in Neutral.The brake pedal feels normal.

AutoExpert
The “B” on Your Hybrid Shifter Does Not Mean Battery, Boost or Better Economy - Photo
Others
The “B” on Your Hybrid Shifter Does Not Mean Battery, Boost or Better Economy

Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive need little introduction. Then there is B. It sits on the shifter of many hybrids looking important but refusing to explain itself. Battery seems like the obvious

AutoExpert
There Is Moisture Inside Your Headlight. Do You Actually Need a New One? - Photo
Others
There Is Moisture Inside Your Headlight. Do You Actually Need a New One?

The car comes out of the wash looking excellent, apart from one headlight. Behind the clear lens is a patch of mist, as though someone breathed on the inside of it. The other lamp may be perfectly

AutoExpert
Mercedes-Maybach Just Made Its Flagship SUV Even More Luxurious - Photo
Car News
Mercedes-Maybach Just Made Its Flagship SUV Even More Luxurious

Luxury SUVs have become the vehicle of choice for many ultra-wealthy buyers, and Mercedes-Maybach wants to make sure they don't have to compromise. The new 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 takes ever

AutoExpert
Geely Says The Galaxy TT Doesn't Need A Huge Battery To Go 450 Miles - Photo
Car News
Geely Says The Galaxy TT Doesn't Need A Huge Battery To Go 450 Miles

A big battery isn't always the answer. Geely believes the smarter approach is building a more efficient electric drivetrain, and that's exactly what it has done with the upcoming Galaxy TT. Th

AutoExpert
Nissan Says Brake Caliper Colors Actually Mean Something - Photo
Car News
Nissan Says Brake Caliper Colors Actually Mean Something

Think brake caliper colors are just there to look good? Nissan says they actually serve a purpose. According to the automaker, the color behind the wheels acts as a quick visual guide, revealing the t

AutoExpert