Brazilian Presidential Ceremonial State Car
| Presidential State Car | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Ford CD3 platform |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
Gasoline: I4 2.5 L /152 hp Atkinson cycle Electric: Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous Motor 106 hp @ 6,500 rpm, 275 volts |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 107.4 in (2728 mm) |
| Length | 190.2 in (4831 mm) |
| Ceremonial State Car | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Rolls-Royce Ltd |
| Designer | H. J. Mulliner & Co. |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | 1952 Silver Wraith |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
L6 4,257 cc |
| Transmission | 4-manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3378 mm |
| Curb weight | 2,500kg |
The Presidential State Car is the official state car of the President of Brazil.
The state car of Brazil is a Rolls Royce Silver Wraith, which is used by the President of Brazil on ceremonial occasions, such as Independence Day commemorations, state visits and the inauguration of the President-elect. This is one of the two Rolls-Royce models purchased by former President Getúlio Vargas in 1953.
When Getúlio Vargas became president in 1951, he had two Cadillacs as official state cars, dating from 1941 and 1947 respectively. Rolls-Royce was chosen to prepare four Silver Wraith models with special modifications for security, with the intention to purchase two examples. Vargas received the first hardtop model on 31 January 1953. The first foreign head of state to use it was General Manuel Odria, President of Peru.
The government paid £5,831 for the hardtop model and £7,540 for the second Silver Wraith, a cabriolet. The cars were paid for by wealthy friends as a present to Vargas himself, on condition that he would donate them to the presidency at the end of his term in office.
With political problems, Vargas shot himself in the chest on 24 August 1954 and, with his suicide, the handover did not happen. The cars became part of the President's estate and were claimed by his family. The solution only came in 1957, although the cars had still been used by President Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira in the interim. The family took the hardtop Rolls-Royce and gave the cabriolet to the presidency. The last official service of the hardtop model was for the personal transportation of Berta Craveiro Lopes, wife of General Craveiro Lopes.
...
Wikipedia