“The American Dream”, the longest limousine in the world, restored by a man from Florida, was ready and entered the Guinness World Records book of records.

This is the American Dream, in literal translation “The American Dream”, the longest limousine in the world according to the organization Guinness World Records. At just over 30 meters and 1,5 inches, we can't imagine it has many challengers to take its place. But oddly enough, this massive 11-tonne Cadillac, equipped with a helipad, miniature golf course, jacuzzi and more, was impressive after its appearance was restored. This limousine was in terrible condition, with a rotted hull, and it would take a huge effort to bring it back to life. However, car customizer Jay Ohrberg managed this feat and showed the world.

Meet “The American Dream”, the longest car in the world

Abandoned in New York, it was first transported to the Autoseum in Simrishamn, Sweden, for an unsuccessful restoration attempt. So, with some difficulty (and a bonnet that flew off along the way, never to be seen again), the American Dream was taken to the Dezerland Park car museum in another attempt at rebirth.

In 1986, the car was originally built by car customizer Jay Ohrberg in Burbank, California, according to Guinness World Records. At that time, the longest car in the world measured around 18 meters, 26 wheels and a pair of V8 engines front and rear. After some modifications, the car was extended to 30,5 meters.

The American Dream is based on 1976 Cadillac Eldorado limousines and can be driven from both ends. The vehicle was built in two sections and joined in the middle by a hinge to make tighter turns. In addition to being able to transport more than 75 people, the vehicle has a mini golf course, helipad, swimming pool, among other things!  

“The helipad is structurally mounted to the vehicle with steel supports underneath and can support over 2 tonnes,” Michael Manning, who was involved in the restoration of “The American Dream,” told Guinness World Records. After being recognized by Guinness World Records in 1986, the longest car in the world quickly gained fame. as one of automobiles most unique of all time, the long limousine was often rented for film appearances and was featured in several films.

Although the car was very popular during its heyday, it gradually fell out of favor. Challenges such as where to park such a long vehicle and lesser demand for the unique car in the films caused its fame to fade. After the world lost interest in the American Dream, the legendary car sat abandoned for years. Over time, it began to rust, until parts of it were beyond repair. 

Renovation cost more than US$ 250 thousand – More than R$ 1,2 million

The project, which cost more than $250 (approximately R$1,2 million) in freight, materials and labor, took three years to complete and, despite the vehicle being in poor condition, it proved to be sturdy. It was necessary to acquire some parts, because they were destroyed over time.

“It was very difficult to find an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser roof for sale, but the team happened to find someone who had had the roof cut off and stored for 30 years and was willing to part with it. Most of the exterior work was completed using additional parts from a donor to aid in the restoration. The world's longest impressive car also had some internal problems that needed to be addressed," said Michael Manning, owner of Autoseum, a technical education museum in Nassau County, New York (newly responsible for the vehicle's refurbishment).

The new American Dream returns to a museum after successful renovations

After its long-awaited restoration, The American Dream has finally debuted its new paint job and a flashy new set of wheels. While it's no longer sitting in a warehouse waiting to be admired, it won't necessarily be hitting the road either. According to Manning, the limousine was built to be on display. The car is now on display at the Auto Museum at Dezerland Park Orlando in Orlando, Florida.