Presidential Cars: 12 cars owned by Philippines Presidents

Today, cars have become a status symbol. The make, model, and price of a person's car not just signifies hard work but also his social status. Even back then, cars have become associated with the rank and status of a person in society, and it is no different from now. Cars no longer just functioned primarily as a mode of transportation but a fast indication of power and wealth.

The reality is, our cars have revealed our personality. The elite and the rich would all be associated with the world's most luxurious, advanced, and safest of all cars. Sometimes, it becomes an identifier of the passenger or the owner. Just one look of the car and you would know that "hey, someone important is inside that car."

Heads of states, military personnel, and top-ranking officers among others are those that are highly distinguishable because of the cars they drive or ride. The Presidents of the Philippines, for instance, have their unique taste when it comes to their official cars. It might go down to preference or personal safety, but the cars they used during their presidential terms have also made history.

Each car for every president is not just an affiliation to power, but it also hits their political, social, and economic status. The trends of the automobile world tend to shift with a new president being elected. Threats to the presidential security will also urge recommendations from the presidential team to opt for specific car models. It is definitely more than a mode of transportation for the president.

With the rich culture of the Philippines, the make and model of the presidential cars are equally interesting and unique. As part of history, the cars can sure be a reflection of the current situations of the past and the present. Philkotse.com will provide you with some of the sneak pictures of the presidential cars used by the Presidents of the Philippines.

1. Emilio Aguinaldo's Packard Single 6 233 Series 1924

This is the same car that the Russian Imperial Family used back then, and it has woody and vinyl interiors. This model is considered as one of the earliest US vehicles that were being exported worldwide to be used as state transportation.

Packard Single 6 233 1924 Series is considered as one of the earliest US vehicles that were being exported worldwide to be used as state transportation.

2. Manuel Quezon's Chrysler Airflow Custom Imperial CW Limousine 1937

With a price tag back then of $1,610, this car built designed with a 3-speed manual floor shift transmission was exclusively produced in 1934-1937 by Chrysler Corporation.

This Limousine offers s a Custom Imperial and carries the unusual Art Deco styling

3. Jose Laurel and Sergio Osmeña's Packard Customer Super 818 Limousine 1942

The late President Osmeña opted not only decided to inherit the presidential title but also the car of his predecessor. This car has a glass partition that can be lowered so anytime the president wants to drive on his own; then he can do so.

The late President Osmeña opted not only decided to inherit the presidential title but also the car of his predecessor.

4. Manuel Roxas' Cadillac Series 75 Limousine 1947

This Imperial seven seater limousine was considered as the ultimate luxury automotive vehicle back then that boasts Fleetwood coachwork. It has a very imposing appearance with an impressive and detailed interior.

5. Elpidio Quirino's Chrysler Imperial Limousine 1953

With a new president comes to a more innovative mode of transportation with the vehicle considered as one of the cars with power aided disc brakes and an electrical system with 12 volts power.

Elpidio Quirino's 1953 Chrysler Imperial Limousine is considered as one of the cars with power aided disc brakes and an electrical system with 12 volts power.

6. Ramon Magsaysay's Cadillac Series 75-23 1955

The regime purchased this vehicle, and it was used until the early presidential term of President Ramos. This car was considered back then as the most expensive Cadillac and was a favorite choice to transport VIPs and world leaders.

7. Diosdado Macapagal's Cadillac DeVille 1959

Considered as a rare asset, there were only 20,000 of this car model that was made available worldwide. Out of the 20,000, less than 100 units were for export. Huge and extremely sharp, this car is very much remembered for its intimidating and bad-ass look.

Diosdado Macapagal's 1959 Cadillac DeVille is considered as a rare asset, there were only 20,000 of this car model that was made available worldwide.

8. Ferdinand Marcos' Lincoln Continental Mark VI Signature Series 1980

The late President Marcos surely made his mark in the history of the Philippines, and so did his car. Boasting highly advanced features then of keyless entry and a more ‘digitized' gauge cluster showing a trip computer which would let the driver and the passenger know the current status of ‘miles to empty' and the ETA for every road trip.

9. Corazon Aquino's Mercedes-Benz 500EL 1986

Safety has always been a concern for this president being in the center of a country revolution, so it is no wonder that her choice of car has bulletproof panels and 2-inch glass windows. It was a chaotic Philippines during the term of the first lady President, so the car is definitely fitting.

10. Fidel Ramos' Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL Guard 1986

The country started to settle down and so is the car but with more control than ever before. It is still, but with thinner panels, this car has a built-in specific switchboard that gives control to the lights and the sirens. It also has buttons specifically for controlling compartments and fuses.
 

Fidel Ramos' 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL Guard has a built-in specific switchboard that gives control to the lights and the sirens

11. Joseph Estrada's Mercedes-Benz S600 1993

The revolution of the digital age makes its way to this presidential car as it boasts a self-sealing fuel tank, protection from detonating devices, and a unique alarm system. Entertainment is now fundamental as a television set, and a telephone system can be installed on this model.

12. Gloria Arroyo's Mercedes-Benz S600 Limousine V140 1993

For a small lady, her car is intemperately armored. Run-flat tires with engine block protective covering against any sharpshooters are how this lady president rolls.

Gloria Arroyo's Mercedes-Benz S600 Limousine V140 1993

The good news is, everyone can see these real-life cars for themselves at the Presidential Car Museum. The museum is within the Quezon Memorial Circle and is currently open to the public until August 2019. The admission is entirely for free, so everyone can admire these presidential cars and be transported in time with more specific details like history, specifications, and even the president who used it.

It will surely feed your culture thirsty spirit and at the same time indulge and impress your passion for cars.

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