Vintage Cars Owned By US President Joe Biden

Vintage Cars Owned By US President Joe Biden

Share your thoughts on Joe Biden's deep-rooted passion for cars.

By Simon Boseman

Published Feb 4, 2025

Vintage Cars Owned By US President Joe Biden

Table of Contents

  • 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook Convertible
  • 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (Super Leicht) Roadster
  • 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 
  • 1951 Studebaker Champion
  • Honorable Mention: 2009 Cadillac One Limousine- The Beast 
Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, has long been a car enthusiast. Growing up around Chrysler and Ford vehicles, Biden’s love for autos became an integral part of his identity, with a standout gem being his 1967 green Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Today, despite being unable to drive himself due to security restrictions, Biden remains a self-proclaimed "car guy", showcasing his enthusiasm through events like a test drive in the new Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck. 
However, Biden's most significant ride is not one from his personal collection, but the official state car, the heavily armored Cadillac One. This heavily armored, chauffeur-driven limousine is one of the safest vehicles on the planet, designed to protect the President at all costs. Let’s dive into why this vehicle is not just a symbol of power, but a fortress on wheels.

4. 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook Convertible

1952 Plymouth Cranbrook Convertible

The 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook convertible holds a special place in the U.S. President’s car collection, and for good reason. The candy apple red, two-door club coupe wasn’t just a stylish ride; it was a statement. The President fondly recalls driving the club coupe to his senior prom, a memory that still lingers decades later.

1952 Plymouth Cranbrook Convertible Specs
Price$2,344
Powertrain3.6 L Flathead Straight-6
Horsepower97 hp
Torque175 lb-ft
Transmission3-speed Manual
0-60 mph18.2 seconds
Top Speed80 mph

A year after purchasing his Studebaker, Biden upgraded to a Plymouth Cranbrook Convertible, zipping between college classes in the eye-catching classic. "I bought a 1952 Plymouth convertible, candy-apple red with a split windshield. I think that was my favorite," he recalled. His love for vintage rides didn’t stop there; he later added a Mercedes-Benz 190SL, clocking 100,000 miles despite its notorious Solex carburetors. This may have sparked his lifelong passion for speed and power.


3. 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (Super Leicht) Roadster

1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster

Joe Biden’s love for cars extends beyond American muscle, as seen in his vintage collection, which includes a stunning black 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL. This elegant two-door roadster wasn’t built for just any driver—it was a car for the refined and distinguished, the kind of ride you’d expect to see James Bond slipping into. 

With models ranging from 1955 to 1963, each year brought new advancements, making it tricky to pinpoint exactly which one Biden owned. But one thing’s for sure, the 190SL was never meant for an ordinary college kid taking his date to prom; it was crafted for those with an eye for sophistication.

1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL RoadsterSpecs
Price$3,350
Powertrain1.9L Straight-4
Horsepower120 bhp
Torque105 lb-ft
Transmission4-speed Manual
0-60 mph13.5 seconds
Top Speed110 mph

While serving as POTUS means Biden can’t freely take his vintage cars for a spin, it’s safe to say he has enjoyed the thrill of driving the 190SL at some point. A true car enthusiast, “Uncle Joey” knows the joy of gripping the wheel of this timeless masterpiece.


2. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 

1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray holds a deep sentimental value for Joe Biden, a car forever linked to his fondest memories. This Goodwood-green beauty was a wedding gift from his father in August 1967, making it a cherished piece of his personal history. Still sitting in his garage, the classic convertible has made notable appearances, including a moment in Biden's presidential campaign. "I love this car. 

Nothing but incredible memories," he once said, reflecting on the deep connection he shares with the vintage vehicle. Every time he steps inside, he is reminded of his father and his late son, Beau.

1967 Chevrolet Corvette StingraySpecs
Price$5,600
Powertrain5.4L V8
Horsepower350 hp
Torque351 lb-ft
Transmission4-speed Manual
0-60 mph5.8 seconds
Top Speed147 mph

Since it is the last 1967 model in the C2 Corvette lineup, it remains an icon of American muscle and personal nostalgia. Yet, despite his love for the car, Biden rarely gets the chance to drive it. "The Secret Service won't let me drive it. I'm not allowed to drive anything. It's the one thing I hate about this job. I'm serious," he once admitted. 

Even during his vice presidency, he had to seek special permission just to take it for a spin on Jay Leno’s Garage in 2016. Now, as President, the Corvette remains parked indefinitely, as security protocols prevent the Commander in Chief, and even former presidents, from driving on open roads.


1. 1951 Studebaker Champion

1951 Studebaker Champion

Joe Biden’s first car was the iconic 1951 Studebaker Champion, a standout in the post-war automotive scene. With its signature "bullet nose" design and sleek grille, the Champion quickly became a favorite among car enthusiasts. Biden, whose father owned a Ford dealership, had the opportunity to explore various car models, but the Studebaker held a special place as his first ride. 

"My dad thought it was nice and calm, but it had that overdrive, and it was fast," he told Car & Driver in 2011.

1951 Studebaker ChampionSpecs
Price$20,000
Powertrain2.8L Inline-6
Horsepower85 hp
Torque190 lb-ft
Transmission3-speed Manual
0-60 mph12.5 seconds
Top Speed85 mph

At the time, the Studebaker Champion was a symbol of innovation, as it was one of the first vehicles produced after World War II. Its four-door sedan model, priced around $20,000, attracted buyers looking for a reliable yet stylish car. The distinctive grille design set it apart from competitors, making it a head-turner on the roads. For Biden, it was the beginning of a lifelong appreciation for automobiles.


Honorable Mention: 2009 Cadillac One Limousine- The Beast 

Apart from owning some of the vintage cars that have been shared above, every US President rides the chauffeur-driven Cadillac One, also known as the Beast. The Cadillac One limousine is the official US state car, and it is reserved for the first person in the state. Originally built for Donald Trump, the latest version of this high-tech fortress on wheels is now part of Joe Biden’s presidential fleet. 

The 2009 Cadillac One, manufactured by GM, has also been code-named "Stagecoach" for Biden. With five-inch-thick military-grade armor, the vehicle is built to withstand powerful bullets and high-impact attacks.

Inside “The Beast,” the President has access to a panic button, a personal oxygen supply, and a satellite phone with a direct line to the Vice President and the Pentagon. The trunk also holds emergency fire fighting equipment, tear gas, and smoke-screen dispensers, and is even rumored to store blood bags matching the President’s blood type for emergency transfusions. 

The eight-inch-thick armor-plated doors weigh as thick as the cabin door of any 757 Boeing Jet. It has also got explosion-prevention foam to survive an RPG hit.

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