The presidential limo: A free ride to remember

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — As Election Day draws ever closer, we thought it was time for a fun story. Whoever wins the presidential race will get one perk among many: The use of a free car.

Believe it or not, ABC4's Craig Wirth not only rode in a real presidential limo — he got to drive one. The story goes back many campaigns and several presidents.

"It's a joyride I won't forget," Wirth said.

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You may have seen stories of the presidential limo, or better yet, you may have seen it during ABC's national presidential coverage.

It just so happened that President Reagan's limo was on display in Salt Lake City back in the 80s, and Wirth was able to take the limo for a ride throughout the city.

He drove to UTA bus stops and picked up people. A modern-day Uber service, presidential style — only this was before Uber was invented.

When asked how one couple felt, the husband told Wirth, "I felt like the president." His wife said, "I felt like Mrs. President."

Wirth said the limo felt more like a tank rather than an everyday car, due to the modifications made to the vehicle. The limo was almost a foot and a half longer than the typical Fleetwood, the roof was three inches higher, and there was armor in the doors and five-inch thick glass.

By the time Wirth was able to take a spin, the president who ordered the limo (and the limo itself) were long retired.