The American Dream limousine is a remarkable vehicle that holds two Guinness World Records for being the longest limo. It is a custom-made car that represents the extravagant spirit of the 1980s and is known for its unique features, such as themed rooms, a cinema, and a swimming pool with a diving board.
Despite the passage of time, the American Dream limo still exists and maintains its title as the longest limousine in the world. It has undergone restoration work for three years and a substantial budget of $250,000. However, as shown in the video below, the restored version of the American Dream may not live up to the hype.
Jay Ohrberg, a prominent figure in Hollywood, had a distinct taste in cars and built numerous iconic vehicles for both movies and television shows. Some of his notable creations include the General Lee from Dukes of Hazard, KITT from Knight Rider, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, various Batman vehicles, the RoboCop car, the Ford GT from Starsky and Hutch, and the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters.
In addition to his work on screen, Ohrberg also designed several extraordinary limousines. He had a penchant for creating unconventional vehicles, and his portfolio includes a Ferrari F40 limo, a Mercedes convertible limo with a heart-shaped hot tub, the Extra-Wide limo resembling a mobile living room, and the unmistakable American Dream.
The American Dream limo was originally based on the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado and incorporated parts from six of these cars. Initially, it measured 18.28 meters (60 feet) in length, but Ohrberg later extended it to 30.5 meters (100 feet) by adding a hinge in the middle, allowing it to turn. However, due to its massive size, it had to be transported in two sections on flatbed trailers.
The original American Dream featured two driver’s cabs, one in the front and one in the rear. It boasted extravagant amenities, even by the standards of that era. Notably, it had a helipad at the back with a retractable putting green, as well as a diving board and a pool. Although no one dared to dive off the board, it added to the overall opulence of the vehicle.
Inside the American Dream, luxury was taken to another level. It was adorned with hardwood furniture, crystal chandeliers, large-screen TVs, high-quality audio systems, and an array of lights. Additionally, it had a water bed, a spa area, and seating capacity for up to 75 people. These lavish features were showcased to the media at the time, capturing the essence of excess.
The limousine’s journey was nothing short of remarkable, captivating audiences in 30 different countries. However, as the late ’90s approached, it gradually faded into obscurity, left to decay under the elements until the early 2010s.
In a surprising turn of events, the American Dream limo was resurrected in 2020. Owner Mike Manning and billionaire Mike Dezer joined forces to restore the iconic vehicle, which would ultimately find its place in the renowned Dezerland Auto Museum in Florida.
Amidst great excitement, the reborn American Dream was unveiled in mid-2022. Not only did it live up to its Guinness World Record reputation, but it also surpassed expectations by setting a new record. The addition of a new bumper extended its total length to an impressive 30.54 meters (100 ft and 1.50 in), solidifying its position as the world’s longest limousine.
Renowned car influencer Supercar Blondie recently had the opportunity to visit Florida and tour the restored limo. During her visit, she provided a closer look at the revamped interior, which surprisingly appeared quite bare, save for the L-shaped sofa visible when the large drop-down gullwing doors were opened.
Once a luxurious party venue on wheels, the American Dream now resembles an empty tunnel with carpeted flooring, allowing passengers to crawl from the rear to the front. The pool at the bottom is cracked, and on this occasion, a small two-person helicopter briefly touched the helipad before taking off again.
The underwhelming atmosphere continues inside the cabin. While it remains the original ’76 Cadillac, the presence of support beams on the sides makes it more challenging to navigate. Entering the driver’s seat requires an inelegant maneuver, and exiting becomes even more difficult due to the obstructing support beams that block access to the interior door handle.
Surprisingly, driving the American Dream proved to be relatively effortless for Supercar Blondie. However, her experience was limited to short distances, with only forward and backward movements permitted. The access door in the rear was left open, as the limo’s ability to turn had been compromised to meet the basic requirements for securing the new Guinness record.
Interestingly, these claims contradict what a representative for Dezerland stated during the grand unveiling in 2022. According to the representative, the limo boasts two 8.2-liter V8 engines under the hood and has the potential to reach speeds of up to 120 mph (193 kph), albeit theoretically. The real challenge lies in stopping the vehicle, and it was suggested that an airport would be necessary for safe maneuvering.
Image: YouTube/Supercar Blondie
However, the American Dream remains a remarkable automobile, not due to its practicality or characteristics, but primarily because it persists – defying logic in doing so. It may not possess the same level of awe as it did in the past, but perhaps our perception is clouded by nostalgic sentiments.
According to the Source autoevolution.com