Presidential Rides


What does it signify, then, that the president enjoys driving? Automobiles may both polarize and unify us. Interested in a neutral examination of the presidents who were auto enthusiasts? We will start with Vice President Joe Biden and proceed backwards.
Joe Biden’s Corvette
As you may know, Joe Biden is a Corvette fan. As a former vice president, Biden was aware of the regulation banning him from driving his automobile. However, on rare occasions, he was allowed permission to drive his 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible, and he took full use of the privilege. In October 2016, he appeared on Jay Leno’s show “Jay Leno’s Garage” alongside fellow automotive aficionado and comedian Jay Leno. It was Biden’s third time driving the Corvette since 2009, and the filming took place on a secure location in Washington, D.C. Due to the fact that Biden’s father had owned a Chevrolet dealership, the ‘Vette has a great degree of sentimental meaning for the entire family. After delivering a speech on clean automobiles and trucks on the South Lawn of the White House in August 2021, Biden was permitted to drive an electric Jeep Wrangler.
Ford F-150 owned by George W. Bush
George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, has also been on “Jay Leno’s Garage.” Bush has owned multiple Ford F-150 pickup trucks, including a 2009 King Ranch Super Crew 4×4 that was auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson in 2017. The auction raised $300,000 for charity, which Bush contributed. Bush’s Leno part was taped in 2017 at the Bush family ranch in Crawford, Texas, where W. gave Leno a ride in a 2013 F-150 King Ranch model truck with numerous scuffs and scars from ranch use. This pickup truck is not one of the many that sit idle. Since Bush hasn’t driven on public roads since 1993, any truck he owns is likely used on the Bush family’s vast Texas plantation.
Ronald Reagan’s Subaru Impreza
The 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, was a well-known Jeep aficionado who drove a 1962 Jeep CJ-6 and a 1983 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler about his California ranch. Reagan was well-suited to become a covert test driver for Subaru in 1980, long before it was socially acceptable for American leaders to drive Japanese automobiles and long before the Japanese automaker won over Americans with its practical, family-friendly station wagons and daring sports cars. According to Jalopnik, Subaru was testing a similar Brat pickup truck at the time, and a Brat ended up on Reagan’s ranch through a mutual acquaintance. As long as he kept Subaru apprised of its progress, he might ride it about the property as much as he liked. The actor/politician landed another intriguing role.
Oldsmobile 98 owned by Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, was famous for his declaration that he was not a crook and his 1950 Oldsmobile 98. He believed that owning an Oldsmobile made him more likable and empathetic to working-class Americans. However, the fact that his Oldsmobile featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine somewhat undercut his claim. Nixon will be remembered throughout history as the president who resigned after being impeached over the Watergate incident. The coolness of his automobile did not aid in his appeal.
The amphibious vehicle of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president, was the last president to be permitted to drive on public roadways. Johnson served as Vice President under President John F. Kennedy until his assassination in 1963. Kennedy’s death prompted the provision that now compels all presidents to permanently relinquish their keys. On the other hand, Johnson was notorious for driving a vehicle that was not limited to the road. His 1961 Amphicar, one of 4,000 produced, could drive directly into the water from firm ground. Johnson, according to political automobile legend, relished scaring his passengers by pretending the car’s brakes failed as it approached a lake on his Texas ranch, then easing it safely onto the water’s surface. This may be the funniest incident involving the presidential property thus far.