The American Dream was recognized as the world's longest car by the Guinness World Records on March 1st, 2022. (Image Credit: Michael Manning)
After three long years and over $250,000 in shipping, materials, and labor, Michael Dezer and Michael Manning finally refurbished The American Dream, a 100-foot and 1.5 inches long super limo. Originally built 35 years ago, the vehicle features everything you'll ever need. This restoration project also set a new Guinness World Record on March 1st, 2022, for the world's longest car, beating its previous size by just a few inches.
The American Dream rose to fame in 1986 when it received the title of the world's longest car by the Guinness World Records. It was commonly rented out for cinematic appearances and shown in varying movies. However, the world lost interest in the vehicle, causing it to remain untouched, forming rust until certain parts were rendered unsalvageable.
Once you're in this vehicle, you'll never want to get out. That's because it features all the good stuff, including a swimming pool, jacuzzi, helipad, and a mini-golf course. What's even more impressive is that it has 26 wheels, can carry over 75 people, and be driven from either end. In comparison, many other cars measure 12 to 16 feet (3.6 to 4.2 meters). The vehicle was also built in two parts joined by a hinge in the middle, allowing the limo to turn tight corners. It includes several TVs, a refrigerator, and a telephone. Meanwhile, the helipad is mounted to the vehicle via steel brackets underneath and can support up to 5,000 pounds.
The impressive limo features a Jacuzzi, pool, mini-golf course, and a helipad. (Image Credit: Michael Manning)
The American Dream was originally built in 1986 by Jay Ohrberg in Burbank, California. At the time, it measured 60 feet long and came with a dual V8 engine at the front and rear. Ohrberg eventually expanded the limo to 100 feet before abandoning it at a New Jersey warehouse, where it became irreparable. Manning hoped for community donations to pour in, aiming to help with the restoration process. These never materialized, and the car had an uncertain fate. So it remained untouched for seven to eight years behind his building in Mineola.
The car's cab had to be completely replaced because it was destroyed by rust. (Image Credit: Michael Manning)
The vehicle eventually ended up on eBay, where it was purchased by two different owners until it finally wound up in Dezer's hands for an unspecified price. Later on, Dezer hired Michael Manning as the co-owner, who helped restore the car in 2019 in Orlando, Florida. They also sought help from autobody repair students and auto repair experts Stephen Wepprecht and Paul Novack. However, they needed to source some parts because the originals were no longer useable.
Overall, the restoration required more parts for the exterior work. Meanwhile, the interior had some problems that required special attention. For example, the team removed the entire cab, including its dashboard, front seat, tranny, and motor. Afterward, they installed a new drive train and Eldorado cab from donor cars. It even has a fresh paint job along with a new set of wheels to give it that finishing touch.
Sadly, this vehicle won't be hitting the road anytime soon... it's just too long. Instead, it's expected to stay on display at Dezerland Park Orlando's Auto Museum in Orlando, Florida.
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