VOLO — Thirty years after Cadillac first introduced a Trump-branded limousine, the manufacturer this week debuted the “Beast,” a $1.5 million, 20,000-pound XT6-like limo built for the former marketing maverick now escorted by the Secret Service.

 

And while it’s highly unlikely the average citizen will catch more than a passing glimpse of the latter, the former remains on view at the Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road.

 

The Beast — by all accounts the most impressive in a long line of specially designed, extensively fortified and high tech-equipped presidential stretches — caused an automotive stir as it delivered President Donald Trump to the United Nations building in New York Tuesday, Sept. 25. 

 

“I’ve been reading about it. The new presidential limo is remarkable,” said Brian Grams, director of the Volo Auto Museum. “It’s sealed against bio attacks. It has run-flat tires, the door handles can be electrified, it’s heavy as a tank ... it’s appropriately named.”

 

The Trump limo on display in Volo might not be quite so high-tech, but it is a rarity rival, and one that can be seen for $2 off the regular admission price for those who buy tickets online before Friday, Oct. 5, using the promo code “Trump.” The discounted tickets need not be used immediately; they are good for 12 months.

 

Uber luxurious for its day, the museum’s 1988 Trump-branded Cadillac limousine features a gold-plated and rosewood interior with a fax machine, TV, VCR, three telephones (one in front and two in back), a paper shredder and an electric bar. And because it is one of just two prototypes built for a planned but never realized line of limited-edition, Trump-branded limousines, its rarity is practically unrivaled, Grams said. 

 

“This would be a highly prized collectible even if Donald Trump had not achieved his present status,” Grams said. “As it stands, it’s definitely an extraordinary piece in American automotive history. And it’s one that everyone is welcome to come and see up close.”

 

The Volo Auto Museum features roughly 400 classic, muscle, Hollywood cars and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adults, $9 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger. For other information, call 815-385-3644, visit volocars.com or find Volo Auto Museum on Facebook.

 

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Photo by Richard Coyne Schultz

Suggested caption: The Volo Auto Museum features a one-of-two-in-the-world 1988 Trump-edition Cadillac limousine. Thirty years after the Trump caddy prototype’s manufacture, Cadillac has debuted a presidential limousine dubbed the “Beast.” The original Trump limousine's 30th anniversary is being celebrated in conjunction with the Beast's debut with a $2-off admission offer good for online purchases made through Oct. 5. Tickets need not be used immediately; they are good for one year.