Gone in 60 seconds

Correction please, the “vintage” 1965 four door Cadillac which remains as the only car registered in the name of former President Joseph Estrada does not belong to him.

The front page of the Philippine Star recently featured a story that out of 200 cars reportedly belonging to former President Joseph Estrada, only one, a vintage 1965 four door Cadillac with plate # PSY 878 was actually registered in the name of Joseph Estrada. The problem was there are as many Joseph Estradas and no way of verifying if Erap still owns the car or sold it.

The fact of the matter is that the car was long sold for a record price of 100 centavos or 1 Philippine peso. The sale took place sometime in the year 2004 and the reason for the sale was in itself very interesting.

While entertaining a group of regular visitors at his Tanay detention house, the former President learned that one of his visitors was very involved in restoring a presidential limousine that had been used by four Presidents namely: Quezon, Osmena, Roxas, and Quirino(?). The vehicle was a 1941 Cadillac convertible.  Upon hearing this, Erap’s eyes brightened and proudly stated that he too had a Cadillac, a 1965 4 door model which he bought at about the same time his best friend Ronnie (Fernando Poe Jr.) bought one.

The guest sadly but politely informed him that the President “Used to” own the Cadillac. Erap’s response was adamant. “No, I still have the Cadillac”.  It was then that Erap’s guest realized that the President had not been informed about such a development. By then it was too late. Erap was instantly on the phone talking to the person responsible for selling the vehicle.  He demanded to know why his car had been sold without asking him or consulting him. Evidently, as generous as the man may be, he places value for things that hold memories and things he worked for.

After a few flashes of lightning, Erap gave a stern ultimatum that the car should be found and that they should immediately buy it back. The car was reportedly traced somewhere in Pampanga where it would have been stripped for parts or converted into some cheap funeral car. The Cadillac was quickly returned to Manila after which the former president gave instructions that the car be put in running order. Erap then gave instructions that the car be given to his car loving visitor who apparently would care more for the car.

The car eventually reached the fortunate individual who in turn took the car apart, replaced the entire metal floor, all of the upholstery, the exhaust system, the entire suspension and just about every moving part of the Cadillac.  Soon after, the car was publicly exhibited along with many vintage vehicles, at an outdoor car show sponsored by the City of San Juan during its founding day. As if to complete the journey, Mayor JV Ejercito stood by the car for the media to feature and document the event.

A few months later, the new owner had called on Erap in order to return the car to Tanay or to San Juan where it could be publicly exhibited. In this way, the car could remain in public view instead of hidden in some garage or covered under tarp somewhere. Erap would not have any of it. Once given there could no longer be any taking back, even for such a cause. Besides, according to Erap, he had no more room in his museum for a car as long as a boat.  

Meanwhile the new owner continued fixing up Erap’s cruiser. The Cadillac remains registered under Sen. Joseph Estrada for historical purposes, because in the end, it may end up being the only car that we can truly say belonged to Former President Joseph Estrada. Perhaps someday a company will adopt the car and display it just like the first car in the Philippines which is now on permanent display at the Pilipinas Shell office in Makati.

For the record, I am the owner or better yet the caretaker of PSY 878.

I will keep it until such time when we can find an acceptable place to house a car that has now certainly become part of our modern day history.

Along with PSY 878, I am also caring for the Chrysler Imperial limousine once owned by Ambassador Syquia and used by Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos as their wedding car. The car is now partially restored but requires funds not readily available. Beside it is a 1956 Chrysler “300” Limousine used by (Senator) Quintin Paredes and a 1965 Mercedes 600 baby limo once used by Pope John Paul II. Both cars were given as a “gift” by Mr.Danding  Cojuangco as part of our efforts to restore these forgotten “relics” and to stop foreigners from buying them up and bringing them abroad. God willing the Mercedes 600 will go on the road in the early part of 2008 while the Paredes Limo will taste paint in the same year.

It is not about ownership nor is it about a prize or price. Each of us were given by GOD, unique talents and unique opportunities not just to enjoy “things” but to preserve them, to pass them on to others, it maybe knowledge, skills, or speech. As others have given so we must share. As God has blessed us, so we must honor God.  A car is just an object, but the stories that evolved in its travels serve as our lessons, inspirations even our entertainment.  Contrary to rumors the cars are not for sale. You can’t buy history, you just learn from it.