American-made, 65 years old; Kerala's 1960 model Buick that rolled in exclusively for dignitaries

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A car that our Prime Ministers and foreign heads of state have travelled in. Age 65. American-made. It is now resting in the state tourism department. The archaeological department requested it, but the tourism department did not give it. The tourism department has decided to preserve it as a historical vehicle. Buick cars had arrived in Kerala during the royal rule itself. This 1960 model Buick car is not just a vintage car. It has systems including an automatic climate control system and bulletproof glass.

This Buick was purchased in 1960 after the demand for a car with modern facilities arose when dignitaries including the Prime Minister visited Kerala. It was purchased from General Motors of America. It is a four-seater car. The car is powerful with a steel body, power steering, automatic gear system, six cylinders and two carburettors. It has a climate control system and a tape recorder system.

Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Charan Singh have all travelled in it. This Buick came running whenever the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court visited. Chief Ministers K. Karunakaran and E.K. Nayanar also travelled in it on rare occasions.

Last trip with the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama was the last to travel in this Buick when he visited Kerala in 2012. It broke down during that trip. As a result, the car was shifted to the garage of the Tourism Department located at Thycaud. The Buick was repaired and put in running condition, but the Tourism Department decided to give it a rest.

The car is under the care of the garage in charge A.X.E. Sajeesh and head chauffeur S. Suresh Kumar. Many vintage car enthusiasts have come to ask for the Buick, which is kept in a glass compartment. There are also organizations that have applied to auction it. It is still in running condition.