Restored Quezon limousine wows GMA

BALER, Aurora , Philippines   – The restored presidential limousine of the late Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon wowed President Arroyo here yesterday where she led the celebration of Quezon’s 131st birth anniversary and this capital town’s 400th anniversary, too.

Mrs. Arroyo was thrilled when she was presented the restored version of the Chrysler Airflow 1937.

“Tuwang tuwa siya (She was overjoyed),” said National Historical Institute executive director Ludovico Badoy.

The car was restored to its original form by Dan Irish, a noted vintage car collector.

Another major restoration was conducted by Alfred Nobel Perez, of Kamuning, Quezon City.

According to Badoy, Perez, who belongs to the Vintage Car Club of the Philippines, is a distinguished vintage car restorer who has reaped several awards for his craft.

Badoy said P900,000 was spent for the restoration, with an additional P700,000 needed to keep the vintage car in full running condition.

“It’s actually priceless,” he said, when asked how much the car actually costs.

The black limousine, mounted on plywood, is about three meters wide and five feet tall. It has a seating capacity of six.

Deputy presidential spokesman Lorelei Fajardo, who was part of the presidential entourage here, said the President failed to notice the presidential limousine at first because she was shaking hands with well-wishers on her way to the Museo de Baler for the ribbon-cutting of the flora and fauna exhibit.

She said the President was not only thrilled by Quezon’s limousine but also Baler in its entirety for being so rich in culture and history.