These cars are not simply a mode of transportation. They are symbolic of a state leaders’ power and authority. Because of its main passenger’s stature, they are an extension of his taste, style and personality.
"For the most part, the government picks the presidential cars to be used by the president. But the president also has the freedom to choose which car he or she prefers to use. For instance, President Rodrigo Duterte has opted to ride his Landcruiser as his official car instead of the one provided by the Presidential Security Group (PSG)," says Ismael Magallanes, Jr., officer in charge at the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ (NHCP) Presidential Car Museum.
Motoring journalist Iñigo Roces, who served as researcher for the Museum says some of the cars were chosen by the presidents themselves, while others were carried over from past administrations.
Possibly the most interesting and unique cars that carried the country’s past presidents were those inspired by the Art Deco era. Like the art and architecture inspired by this movement, Art Deco cars are characterized by repeating geometric shapes, stylized figures, and intricate details.
The Presidential Car Museum put the spotlight on these presidential cars in a recent online talk.
Manuel L. Quezon’s 1937 Chrysler Airflow Custom CW
This car is one of the rarest automobiles in the world, says Iñigo. In fact, there are only 10 or less of these cars surviving today. There’s only one Chrysler Airflow in the Philippines and that’s the one at the car museum. It’s powered by an inline eight-cylinder engine, producing 130 horsepower.
This model is considered the poster car for Art Deco design, says Iñigo, pointing to the vehicle’s distinct pinstripes on its bumper. Attention to detail is evident in its gauges (devices that measure battery level, speed, oil). Even the arrows or needles are very ornate. This car was only used for official functions during Quezon’s time and was always present during state events.
Jose P. Laurel’s 1941 Packard Custom Super Eight 180 Limousine
The third president of the republic was accorded by the Japanese government this very luxurious car—a limousine trim, which means it’s the most expensive version of this model.
It uses an inline eight-cylinder, one of the biggest engines offered by Packard then. It has a glass partition (which can be lowered) between the driver and passenger, making it an ideal state car. Its interior is decorated with luxe fabrics, leather, carpeting, and wool ceiling.
The design of the car showcases the evolving Art Deco era, as can be seen in its stylized grilles and hood ornaments. The spare tire has its own housing and even that is carefully decorated. It bears stripes from the car’s front all the way to its back, making it an elegant and beautiful ride that stands out just like any Art Deco building, says Iñigo.
After Laurel’s term, the vehicle continued to be used by President Sergio Osmeña.
Manuel L. Roxas’s 1947 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Limousine
The Philippines’ fifth president used this top-of-the-line limousine as his official car. It was considered one of the fastest and most expensive cars during his time. It was also the very first airconditioned Philippine presidential car.
It’s a three-speed manual automobile with 5.6 liter inline V8 cylinder that produces up to 137 horsepower. It has a Fleetwood coachbuilt body. “You can buy the car in a normal body. But for those who are very affluent, they bring it to a coachbuilder like Fleetwood to modify it and make it more luxurious,” explains Iñigo, a former editor at Vault magazine and a car connoisseur.
This was the same car model used by America’s first FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, but his had heavier armoring and bulletproofing.
The style is still very Art Deco, with an architectural looking grille. But Streamline Moderne elements come into play as well, as evident in the curving forms. Airplanes were starting to become more commonplace during this era, and aircraft shapes were also beginning to influence car design.
There were no power windows yet back then, so windows had to be locked manually. Attention to detail is observed in the door handles and window cranks, which are plated in chrome.
Elpidio Quirino’s 1953 Chrysler Crown Imperial Limousine
NHCP describes this car as one of the most luxurious and high-quality cars built by Chrysler, to rival brands like Packard, Cadillac and Lincoln.
The country’s first presidential car equipped with an FM radio, it has a long wheel base with a partition, and an engine that produces 284 horsepower, capable of running up to two tons worth of vehicles. It has a two-speed manual which consumes 5.4 liters of gasoline in a Hemi-V8 cylinder machine.
The 1953 Chrysler Crown Imperial Limousine is still very Art Deco in terms of looks, as can be seen in its V mark with outstretched wings. Iñigo points out that it’s built by the same builders of the Chrysler Building in New York City, so it’s no coincidence that concentric arch elements are integrated in some of the car’s parts (it’s speedometer for instance). It also has a lot of decorative elements, says Iñigo, noting the ornate grille and bumper.
The Space Age has begun to inspire car designs during this period—this limousine’s much rounder, sculpted form can attest to that. The car’s tail light was also made to look like the back of a rocket booster.
Ramon Magsaysay’s 1955 Cadillac Series 75-23
The seventh President of the Philippines continued to use his predecessor’s Crown Imperial but he also had this four door-Sedan on reserve, which is no longer in Art Deco style.
Rocketship influence can already be seen in this car, evident in the pointy elements at the bottom of its grille. “They look like warheads of a rocket,” Iñigo notes.
This Cadillac is much simpler compared to the previously mentioned presidential cars in terms of design. It has much less decoration on the side and much less chrome elements.
It’s an eight-seater with a high headroom, and a with a driver’s partition. The car was used as an auxiliary vehicle until the first term of President Ferdinand Marcos. A similar model was also owned by Chinese statesman Chiang Kai-shek. According to NHCP, this car serves as one of the best examples of the series 75-23 in the world.
The Presidential Car Museum is located inside Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. For booking inquiries, email pcm@nhcp.gov.ph or send a message to 09054353396 | 09206981954.
Images courtesy of the Presidential Car Museum