Classic cars have a wide appeal that makes them popular with motor enthusiasts. This can range from first time buyers, to celebrity collectors like Jay Leno. A number of world leaders have also been known to use classic cars. History is full of leaders who’ve taken to the road, such as Pope Francis and Winston Churchill. Here are five important figures who’ve owned a classic car.
Winston Churchill, Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupe
In 1939, Winston Churchill commissioned Carlton Carriage Company to build a drophead coupe on a DB18 chassis. He used it during his election campaigns between 1944 and 1949. During the time, Daimler planned to build 23 models, but they were forced to abandon production in the wake of the Blitz. Only eight were made and four were destroyed during WWII bombings, while two went missing and another one was scrapped. Churchill’s Drophead Coupe is the only surviving car.
Queen Elizabeth II, Rolls-Royce Phantom VI
The Rolls-Royce Phantom VI is a stunning car featuring gorgeous curves. The Queen owns two customised Phantom VIs: The Silver Jubilee Car and a 1986 model. The Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament on the cars have been replaced with a silver statuette of St George slaying a dragon and they have been fitted with a mount for the royal coat of arms.
Franklin Roosevelt, Sunshine Special
Considered to be the ‘First President car to acquire it’s own personality,’ the Sunshine Special was the official state car of President Roosevelt. The name is said to have come from the retractable roof that Roosevelt liked to roll down and greet people during his public campaigns. The car was a 1939 twelve-cylinder engine convertible that was later upgraded for fear of assassination attempts on the President. The upgrades included armoured doors, bullet-proof tyres and extra storage space for guns.
William Howard Taft, White Motor Company Model M Steamer
Taft was the first American President to use an official state car and converted the White House stables into a garage. He was ahead of his time by realising the world was becoming increasingly mechanised in 1909. His state car was a steam-powered 40 horsepower 7-seater Model M Steamer.
Pope Francis, Renault 4
Pope Francis received his 1984 Renault 4 from Italian pastor Renzo Zocca in 2013. The Pope has previously rejected luxurious cars and opted for humbler vehicles. The Renault 4 is a compact car that has 186,000 miles on it and is driven around the Vatican precincts.
Owning a classic car is a wonderful experience and as experienced classic car insurance brokers, we can help you find the right policy.
