On November 22nd, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while riding in his armored 1961 Lincoln Continental Limousine. You’d think that after such a traumatic, world-changing event, the vehicle that Kennedy was killed in would be retired. But nope, turns out the Lincoln was used, modified, and modified some more for the next 14 years, until finally ending up in the Henry Ford Museum.

Ford Authority provided a look into the odd and tragic past of this incredible vehicle, which carried another two Presidents during their tenure after that fateful November day in Texas.

Bought for just over $7,000 when new in 1961, the Lincoln Continental was immediately sent out to Hess and Eisenhardt of Cincinnati, Ohio, where the Lincoln underwent major cosmetic surgery. Some $200,000 worth of modifications later, and JFK’s Midnight Blue Continental had step guards for secret service agents, extra body armor, and plenty of then-cutting-edge electronics to keep the President connected with his staff.

After JFK was killed, the Continental was sent back to Hess and Eisenhardt for a “quick fix” of modifications that included an all-new titanium-armored body with an armored roof. $500,000 and an all-new interior later, and Lyndon B. Johnson’s new Lincoln Limo was ready. He had some custom modifications made himself, including a roll-down window, while the next President, Nixon, had a sunroof installed so he could stand up and wave to the gathered crowds, mostly protected by the Limo.

The JFK Limo can still be seen at the Henry Ford Museum, where it has resided since 1978. It’s an important-but-morbid piece not just of automotive history, but American history as well.