Two metal keys to the presidential limousine that Kennedy was riding in when he was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Both keys are slightly longer than two inches and bear the Lincoln Motor Company’s logo impressed into the head. Includes a notarized statement from R. Steven Turner, in full: “This is an original set of keys to the Presidential limousine (SS-100-X) that President John F. Kennedy rode in on November 22, 1963. I obtained them from the Secret Service motor pool, while I was a criminal investigator with the Department of Justice.” Mounted, matted, and framed with an image of Kennedy riding in the limousine during the Dallas motorcade to an overall size of 14.25 x 17.25. In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Erik L. Dorr.
The limousine that Kennedy was riding in during the ill-fated Dallas motorcade, code-named SS-100-X, was a 1961 Lincoln model 74A convertible modified to meet criteria set forth by the Secret Service. Although the conversion added over 2500 pounds to the weight of the vehicle, nothing was bulletproofed or armor-plated; the main security measures added were merely retractable steps and grab-handles for Secret Service agents. The car featured a hand-built 350-horsepower Ford MEL engine under the hood, which would have been started by the key on the left side of this display. The thinner key on the right side of the display would have been for the glove compartment and trunk. Kennedy’s convertible limousine is one of the most iconic elements in the story of the assassination—its open top a curse, providing fatal access to a would be shooter, and its powerful engine offering a final hope for life, racing toward Parkland Hospital after shots rang out over Dealey Plaza. The keys to this most important vehicle are true historical relics worthy of any museum-quality collection. RR Auction COA.
