The Unforgettable Limousine of Presidents

The 1976 model Mercedes Pullman Limousine, which is the most important limousine produced by the Mercedes brand, was used by many former presidents for many years, especially Fahri Koruturk and Suleyman Demirel.

Only 10 heads of state in the world used the 1976 Mercedes brand limousine, which witnessed history. The armored limousine, carrying a unique feature in every detail and smelling of history everywhere, was renovated as a result of 8 months of meticulous work. Specialist Haydar Ercan, who renovated the limousine purchased by Ankara businessman Celal Kahraman for 80 thousand TL, said: 'The vehicle was tired when it came to us, everywhere was in very bad condition. We brought it to this state in 8 months. There were many moments when my eyes filled with tears and I got emotional while renovating the vehicle.'

The 1976 model 600 Mercedes Limousine, which once hosted many Presidents such as Kenan Evren, Turgut Ozal, and Suleyman Demirel in its seats on important days like ceremonies and invitations, was purchased by Ankara businessman Celal Kahraman for 80 thousand TL. Kahraman delivered the limousine, which witnessed an era, to Haydar Ercan for renovation. The 33-year-old limousine, which witnessed the misty days of Cankaya, the military coup, and many important dialogues, hosted many heads of state in its seats. The limousine, which was one of the official vehicles of former Presidents Kenan Evren, Turgut Ozal, and Suleyman Demirel, is owned by only 10 heads of state in the world.

Modifier Haydar Ercan, who completely renovated the limousine purchased by the Ankara businessman in 8 months, said that the vehicle's mileage was 48 thousand when it came to them, but it carried the fatigue of the years on it. Explaining that the bodywork had decayed, and the upholstery, woodwork, and curtains inside were in very bad condition, Ercan said: 'It came to this state as a result of 8 months of work and effort. A complete revision was made. There was no place we did not touch.' Emphasizing that they had difficulty obtaining parts for the vehicle, Haydar Ercan stated that they experienced a shortage of parts because the limousine was an armored vehicle specially built by Mercedes for heads of state.

Stating that they conducted part research over a very wide area from Germany to the USA, Ercan noted that they ordered some parts from Germany and obtained some through their own efforts. Saying 'If Germany did it, it would have taken 2 years and cost 200-800 thousand euros', Ercan said that the vehicle was purchased by Ankara businessman Celal Kahraman for 80 thousand YTL. Ercan explained that the vehicle weighs 5.5 tons, has a 6,000 cc engine, and 258 horsepower. Pointing out that there is no non-functioning part of the limousine, which has a special suspension, Ercan stated that only 10 heads of state in the world own this vehicle. Ercan summarized his feelings while renovating the vehicle as follows: 'I was very emotional. I served heads of state, prime ministers, and ministers for years, made their vehicles. It was a very important vehicle for me. Bringing it to this state became a source of pride for me. There were many moments when my eyes filled with tears and I got emotional.'