The 1961 Lincoln was stretched three and a half feet to accommodate the two jump seats the Connallys were riding in. It had four retractable steps for Secret Service and two more on the back for two more. These platforms for the Secret Service were retracted and no one was on the rear platforms. There was a Plexiglas bubble top available that was removed by agent Sam Kinney.

Damage to the car included a bullet hole in the windshield, which was quickly replaced and chrome trim above the windshield scarred by another bullet.

The fact that Bill Greer hit the brakes rather than the gas when the shooting began enabled Clint Hill to catch up to the presidential limousine and help Mrs Kennedy back into her seat after she attempted to retrieve a portion of her husband's brain. It also enabled the kill shot to be more accurate.

After the car was analyzed for evidence, it was rebuilt and repainted so the version that is on display at the Henry Ford Museum does not resemble the one driven on the streets of Dallas.