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When all the dust had settled, and “W” was declared our next President, a new limousine debuted to carry him in the Presidential Inaugural Parade. Based on the 2001 Cadillac DeVille, it was first lengthened, widened, and made taller. Equipped with state-of-the-art protection and communications—including the Cadillac Night Vision infrared object detection system—its protection includes five-inch thick, military grade armor, and an environmentally sealed interior, making the vehicle safe from chemical and germ warfare terrorism. Even the tinted windows, which do not open, are considered armor. The interior, featuring genuine wood accents and rich, blue leather and fabric, seats seven—plus the Secret Service driver. An “executive package” provides a folding, hideaway desktop, for Presidential homework. When the First Citizen wants to relax, special reclining rear seats and a 10-disc CD changer are available. All this for a mere $10,000,000.00 price tag!
Yat Ming continues its take on these presidential limos with this, the fourth rendition. It’s also mounted on the same black plastic base with the words: “Presidential Series – 2001 Cadillac DeVille – Road Signature.” The black paint is, as expected, mirror shiny. The interior (and trunk) is carpeted in light gray, and the seats, done in hard plastic this time, are navy blue. No jump seats in this model, however. Aside from simulated wood accents on the door tops, and an interior Presidential Seal, the interior is unremarkable. Dashboard details are fair, as is the wheel. All door, trunk, and hood seams are tight. The undercarriage details are on a par with the other releases I’ve reviewed—which means they’re well done. Engine detailing is adequate, but still looks a bit “molded in.” Exterior features are generally well done, with sharp looking wheel covers, many separate chrome accents, and mostly clear, plastic lenses on the lights. The wipers are molded into the frame, which isn’t too bad, since they’re black. Extras include Presidential and American flags for insertion into the fender mounts, and two Presidential Seal decals to apply to the rear doors. Overall, this image continues to incorporate Yat Ming’s tradition of good quality for a minimal price, though, in my opinion, it’s the least exciting of the four.
This is the fourth (in chronological order) presidential limo Yat Ming has done and it certainly is worth adding to the set—especially if you’re a Bush supporter. Too bad it doesn’t come with a Bush/Cheney bumper sticker for the rear bumper.
(09/30/2004)
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