One of the symbols of power is a limousine for the head of state, in which he/she moves around both in his country and abroad. What is the country's main automobile supposed to be like? Apart from its exterior respectability, it must also feature unique characteristics. Fridae gives you a shortlist of ten of the world's leader's limo rides.
1. Holy, No condoms!: Pope John Paul II
Limo: Mercedes ML 430 (aka Popemobile)
The man who describes sexual relations between gay people as an "intrinsic moral evil" is currently being chauffeured in a Mercedes ML430. Pope John Paul II has been pleading with the press not to call this a Popemobile, as he deems this as undignified, with references to an episode from Wacky Races. His obvious poor knowledge of cars shows when it comes to choosing the specs of his ML430 when he left out the option for a sound system. And for sure, there will be no condoms to be found on this hearse like object.
Fridae's Rating: 0/5
Verdict: Could be better used as a hearse.
2. Queen of Vodlka : Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin
Limo: Zil 41052
ZIL-41052 is one of the safest cars in the world to ever surface. US specialists could not unveil the secret of the Soviet super-vehicle prior to the perestroika period. When the USSR collapsed, they acquired an old ZIL vehicle and dismantled it apart. The secret turns out to be very simple; traditional armoring technology implies the strengthening of the basic construction with armored details. Soviet engineers chose a different technology: they welded the armored capsule and then built the car on it. Such a construction is absolutely impossible in the serial production, but Soviet officials cannot put a price on their own security.
Fridae's Rating: 4/5
Verdict: Still a world beater today and exclusive only to Russian leaders.
3. Queen of pop : Madonna
Limo: Maybach 62
The undisputed and only queen of pop rides in a Mercedes Benz built Maybach 62. Her poor driver has been a subject of traffic police abuse as the parking fines continues to mount up in the most busy parts of London. It seems that no waiting is allowed irregardless of which queen's limo this is! The Maybach was featured in 2006's I am going to tell you a secret.
Fridae's Rating: 1/5
Verdict: Sharing the same limo as critic queen Simon Cowell is not wise. Maddy you can do better, call us up at the Fridae office for advice.
4. Queen of special needs: US President Barack Obama
Limo: Cadillac One
The Cadillac Presidential Limo is a one off built to secret special specifications. Special functions include:
1. Boot: Holds Oxygen supply and a firefighting system.
2. Petrol Tank: Armour-plated and filled with a specially designed foam which prevents it from exploding even when it suffers a direct hit.
3. Doors: Armour-plated and eight inches thick with the weight of a cabin door of a Boeing 757 jet.
4. Tyres: Kevlar-reinforced, shred and puncture-resistant, with steel rims underneath thus enabling the car to escape at speed even if tyres are blasted away.
Fridae's Rating: 2/5
Verdict: Less may want to kill Obama than Bush, but we don't know as yet. With a 6.5 litre diesel engine and this massive bodywork, this limo delivers an extremely poor 8 mpg. Perhaps Obama should worry more about tree huggers than .
5. Queen of revolution: Chariman Mao Tse-tung
Limo: Mercedes Benz 600 Pullman
With a production span from 1963 to 1981, only 2,677 examples were ever built. A massive 6.3 Litre V8 engine powers this stately looking vehicle. Adjustable air suspension ensures that passengers are unruffled regardless of any road surface. Other than Chairman Mao, Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis Presley are among the famous names that own one.
Fridae's Rating: 5/5
Verdict: Stylish in its day and now rates as a to die-for classic. Chairman Mao knows best.
6. Seductive powers Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi
Limo: Maserati Quattroporte
It's hard to combine two strong extreme characteristics into one single car. Maserati came into it's own by churning out a luxury limo that is capable of supercar performance and handling. The 2006 Maserati Quattroporte is easily the sportiest limo in the world. Prime Minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi is a very lucky man indeed.
Fridae's Rating: 4/5
Verdict: The Italians still does it better .
Limo: Toyota Century
While he can be spoiled for choices with Japanese luxury brands like Lexus (Toyota) and Infiniti (Nissan) and Acura (Honda), he remains faithful to the traditional ride favoured by his many predecessors, a Toyota Century. Those front side mirrors remain located along the front bonnet, a charming touch, in a queer way.
Fridae's Rating: 4/5
Verdict: Could be used as a cab when decommissioned?
8.The "REAL" queen of England, not Elton John, pls.
Limo: Bentley State Limousine
A bespoke Bentley was presented to the Queen of England in 2002. Designer Dirk van Braeckel struck a pair of cross eyes as the headlamps. Is there something he wants to say to the royal family?
Fridae's Rating: 3/5
Verdict: Easily the Queen's best accessory.
9. Endurance France's Prime Ministers
Limo: Citroen C6
For many years since 1994, all of the French Prime Ministers had to endure the less than fabulous Renault Safrane Biturbo. French car makers have been hopeless at making large cars for the last 2 decades until the Citroen C6. Quirky yet classy. Must be a lucky break for Nicolas Sarkozy.
Fridae's Rating: 4/5
Verdict: Highly exclusive but could be worthless by the time any French manufacturer makes another large car.
10. Boredom Monaco, Hong Kong and Iceland
Limo:Lexus LS600H
Are the leaders of these countries trying to encourage their people to turn to hybrid cars for an environmental cause? Or are they impressed by the extraordinary levels of refinement in the Lexus cabin. Either way, this is an extremely bland car and shows Lexus's lack of heritage and prestige as a car brand at this level.
Fridae's Rating: 0/5
Verdict: Stop listening to your PR crew, this is hardly green.
Read this week's AutoClub Newsletter on other Queen's rides .
