These cars were present at an exhibit of the Petersen Museum. Beautifully displayed in a darkened hall these stately conveyances exude an aura of power.
#1
One of the first cars owned by the White House, the 1912 Baker Electric. The White House also had a White Steamer and two Pierce-Arrows. This Baker Electric was used by William H. Taft. The environmentally friendly Baker Electric had a limited range but it was chosen for its advantages. Some of which still apply to electric cars, as it was nearly silent, clean running, and didn't need to be hand-cranked.
#2
The 1953 Cadillac Eldorado was used by Dwight D. Eisenhower. The car was named after the fabled city of gold in South America, El Dorado. One of the few 2-door cars owned by an administration.
#3
1952/56 Chrysler Imperial Parade Phaeton was used during the Eisenhower administration and by Richard M. Nixon. As the name implies, this beautiful Chrysler was used in parades and other ceremonies. This car was used by the White House but never owned by the government. Chrysler wanted to gift the car to the government but a policy prevented them from accepting it. Three such cars were built and this one is the only one owned privately. The other two are still in use by the cities of New York and Los Angeles.
#4
The 1984 Cadillac Presidential Limousine was used by Presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton. This car represented the beginning of the technological age. It featured an comprehensive audiovisual system featuring a television, videocassette recorder, compact disc player, and a Delco music system. The cars communication system featured three cellular telephones and a intercom system that allow communication with the chauffeur and those outside the car. Luxury touches were a crystal beverage set and writing desks. It was stated in the cars bio that because of the secrecy surrounding the classified nature of its fittings and armaments it will likely never be out of official government control.