After 36 years, the longest car in the world has finally been restored and is ready to cruise. It just broke its own 1986 world record, as the super limo rolled in at a length of 30.54 meters (100 ft and 1.50 in) on 1 March 2022.
“The American Dream” was first built in Burbank, California, in 1986 by famed car customizer Jay Ohrberg. Originally, it measured 18.28 meters (60 feet), rolled on 26 wheels, and had a pair of V8 engines at the front and rear. Ohrberg later extended the limo to an astounding 30.5 meters (100 feet) long, putting a hinge in the middle to give it a chance to get around tight corners.
The American Dream includes material pleasures fit for a king; a large waterbed, a swimming pool complete with a diving board, jacuzzi, bathtub, mini-golf course, a helipad, and can fit more than 75 people. The helipad is structurally mounted to the vehicle with steel brackets underneath and can hold up to 5,000 lb (2,270 kg) of weight.
After first being recognized by Guinness World Records in 1986, “The American Dream” was often rented out for cinematic appearances and was featured in various movies. As one of the most unique automobiles to ever roll, the car was very popular during its heyday. But due to its high maintenance cost and parking issues, the world gradually lost interest in The American Dream, and the legendary car sat unloved for years. Over time, it began to rust until parts of it were rendered unsalvageable.
Autoseum, a technical teaching museum owned by Michael Manning in Nassau County, New York, decided to restore the car and bought it from eBay. The restoration project cost over $250,000 in shipping, materials, and labor, and took three years to complete, according to an article published by the Guinness World Records.
