To celebrate the 100th anniversary of our Republic, we delve into the executive vehicles that have become emblematic of the Presidents who have represented Turkey over the years. From 1923 to the present day, let’s explore the most renowned leader cars from the first century of the Turkish Republic.
Cadillac 80 Series: A Car of Atatürk!
Automobiles are the silent witnesses of history, and this was certainly true in the early days of the Republic of Turkey. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding President of Turkey, had a few remarkable cars, but the standout was a custom-made 1936 Cadillac 80 Series with a powerful V12 engine. This iconic vehicle, a gift from İş Bank which Atatürk himself founded, served as his official car until his passing. In 1959, the Cadillac found its home at Anıtkabir, where it’s proudly displayed in the April 23 Tower, with its clock forever set to 9:05.
Lincoln K Series: Atatürk’s Armored Vehicle
Atatürk had two 1934 Lincoln K Series cars designated for ceremonial and official use. These black, four-door vehicles, featuring a distinctive single-piece flat windshield, were provided to Atatürk by the Presidency in 1935. Notably armored for its era, the Lincoln K Series continued to serve subsequent Presidents after Atatürk. Since 1963, these iconic cars have been on display at Anıtkabir, where they remain a major draw for visitors.
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman: A Car for Four Presidents
The 1977 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman was one of the world’s most luxurious and pricey cars from 1963 to 1981. This opulent vehicle served as an official car for four Turkish Presidents: Fahri Korutürk, Kenan Evren, Turgut Özal, and Süleyman Demirel. A total of 2,677 units were produced, available in standard, long, and Landaulet versions with a folding rear roof. Notably, the Mercedes 600 Pullman was the first car to traverse the Bosphorus Bridge, now known as the July 15th Martyrs’ Bridge. The S 600 Pullman featured plush velvet rear seats and leather front seats, comfortably accommodating six passengers.
Cadillac de Series 62 Convertible: Elegant and Convertible!
The 1957 Cadillac 62 Series Convertible is a standout in Turkey’s automotive history. Originally used by President Cemal Gürsel, this striking vehicle also served Presidents Süleyman Demirel and Abdullah Gül. The Cadillac was a symbol of prestige during Gürsel’s nationwide tours and even made a notable appearance in 1971 when Queen Elizabeth II waved to the crowd in Ankara from its stylish seats.
Mercedes-Benz 260 SE: Let’s Play a Tape and Cheer Up, Mrs. Semra!
The Mercedes-Benz 260 SE, famously known for its W126 chassis, holds a special place in Turkey’s political lore. This car became iconic through a memorable video of President Turgut Özal and his wife Semra. As they cruised in the 260 SE, Özal’s playful remark, “Let’s play a cassette tape and cheer up, Mrs. Semra,” was recorded alongside the grand opening of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, capturing a moment of joy and historical significance in Turkey’s modern era.
BMW 750 iL: A Stylish Rival to Mercedes-Benz
The BMW 750 iL, a standout in the presidential fleet, was one of Turgut Özal’s personal favorites. As the first German car to feature a V12 engine after a long hiatus, this sleek, black, armored vehicle offered a sophisticated alternative to the Mercedes-Benz S Series. With its high-end status and impressive specs, the 750 iL quickly emerged as a formidable competitor in the world of executive cars.
Mercedes-Benz 230.6 Ambulance: The Controversial Vehicle
The Mercedes-Benz W114 chassis, a familiar sight in Turkey in the 1970s, played a role in a critical moment in Turkish history. This 1970 model, used as an ambulance, was even scrutinized in connection with the death of the 8th President, Turgut Özal, in 1993. The car faced criticism for its lack of equipment during the transfer from Çankaya Mansion to the hospital. Despite its intended use as an ambulance with a stretcher and a companion seat, the 230.6 faced scrutiny and blame in this critical moment.
Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Limousine: A Presidential Favorite
Among the prestigious vehicles in the Turkish Presidential fleet was the 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham limousine. This armored beauty, with its impressive 7.3-meter elongated chassis, could comfortably seat up to six passengers. Known for its powerful 7.4-liter V8 engine, the Cadillac Fleetwood was not only a favorite of Süleyman Demirel but also a choice for American Presidents during its era.
Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL Limousine: A Mark of Presidential Prestige
The Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL, a key vehicle during the tenures of Kenan Evren and Turgut Özal, was among the select limousines used for official presidential duties. This imposing luxury car, designed with an armored structure for top-level state protection, was powered by a robust 5.0-liter V8 engine.
Lincoln Towncar Limousine: An American Classic!
The 1985 Lincoln Towncar, with its 6.85-meter-long limousine format, served during Turgut Özal’s era and was a favorite for hosting dignitaries like Margaret Thatcher. Although its armored build made it quite heavy, prioritizing comfort and safety over speed, it was equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine to ensure smooth, secure journeys.
Mercedes-Benz 600 SEL: Infamous as the “Susurluk Chassis”!
The Mercedes-Benz 600 SEL, part of the W140 S-Class series from the height of automotive engineering, earned the nickname “Susurluk Chassis” due to its involvement in a major scandal. Known for its high engineering costs, this model became infamous following the 1996 Balıkesir-Susurluk accident, where a 600 SEL crashed into a truck, exposing the identities of the passengers and triggering a storm of controversies and legal battles. Used by Presidents Süleyman Demirel and Ahmet Necdet Sezer, this S-Class was a symbol of 1990s Turkey and remains a notable piece of automotive history.
Devrim: The Unfulfilled Dream of Innovation
The Devrim, envisioned as the “First Domestic Automobile of the Republic of Turkey,” remains a poignant symbol in Turkey’s 100-year history, despite never achieving mass production. Intended to mark a milestone in automotive history, the Devrim faced setbacks during its presentation to the 3rd President Cemal Gürsel, including a notable incident where it ran out of gasoline. This led to the President’s memorable remark, “We built a car with a Western mindset but forgot to fuel it with an Eastern approach.”
In 1961, two prototypes were created in Eskişehir over a 130-day period: one black and one cream-colored. The 4.5-meter-long Devrim was designed with dual headlights for enhanced visibility and featured a 2.0-liter carburetor engine estimated to produce between 50 and 70 horsepower. However, its brief appearance in headlines with phrases like “Devrim went 100 meters and stopped” led to a significant blow to motivation for both the engineers of the time and future entrepreneurs, marking a pivotal moment in Turkey’s automotive history.
Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard: A Pinnacle of Protection and Performance
Mercedes-Benz, known for its emphasis on luxury and innovation, rebranded as Mercedes-Maybach to deliver the ultimate in comfort and opulence. The Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard, acquired for the 12th President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stands as one of the world’s most secure armored vehicles. Powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, it generates an impressive 530 horsepower and 830 Nm of torque. Despite its substantial armored weight of around 4.7 tons and a length of 5.5 meters, this vehicle can achieve a top speed of 250 km/h.
TOGG T10X: Turkey’s First Electric Executive Car
On April 3, 2023, TOGG (Turkey’s Automobile Initiative Group) made a significant milestone by delivering its inaugural mass-produced model, the T10X, to the President. As Turkey’s first all-electric executive vehicle, the TOGG T10X offers the choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, depending on whether you opt for a single or dual motor configuration.
