Driving History - The Presidential Cars

Charles de Gaulle Memorial, 52330 Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, France

Until November 16, 2025

We’re visiting to an unusual venue for this blog devoted to vintage and passion cars, the Charles de Gaulle Memorial in Colombey-les-deux-Eglises, for a journey combining history and the automobile. Indeed, until November 16, the Charles de Gaulle Memorial is offering visitors an exceptional exhibition, bringing together several cars used by the Presidents of the French Republic, mainly from 1958 to the present day, from General de Gaulle to President Macron.

Presidential cars, whatever the country, fulfil several functions: transporting officials, of course, but also representation, prestige, security, comfort, and even promoting local brands. So, it’s no surprise to find Citroën, Peugeot and Renault on display.

The oldest is also the most atypical, a Horch 830 BL of German origin. Although its origins are not known for certain, this large 4-door convertible sedan was paraded on the Champs Élysées on June 18, 1945.

Another atypical model in this exhibition is the 1963 Renault Rambler. In the early 1960s, Renault signed a licensing agreement with American carmaker AMC to assemble the Rambler as its prestige sedan. With a view to promoting the car, Renault had a Rambler modified to suit the needs of an official car (notably armored) and presented it to the Élysée Palace. Unfortunately for Renault, the project was rejected by General de Gaulle. The Rambler was nonetheless integrated into the Presidential fleet (as evidenced by its license plate), but did not enjoy the honor of presidential parades.

Citroën, which has long made the Élysée its “territory”, is widely represented, starting with a Traction, here in the 15/6H version, the top of the range with a 6-cylinder engine and hydropneumatic suspension. Although not an “official” presidential car, it was with this Traction 15/6, equipped with a French flag and a Lorraine cross, that General de Gaulle returned to Paris in 1958, called to power by President Coty.

The DS, the jewel in the crown of French motoring for 20 years, was a regular at parades, and its frequent presence in official photos and on television ensured choice promotion for the manufacturer. The DS 19 on display, registration number “3 PR 75”, was General de Gaulle’s car from 1962 to 1969, and took part in numerous trips, both in France and abroad. It’s worth noting that the DS has never been armored, as the shape of its body does not easily permit this. It’s also the only car to have an opening roof, and an electric one at that!

The most spectacular car in the show is certainly the famous SM 4-door convertible. Built on a heavily modified SM base, widened and lengthened both in terms of wheelbase and rear overhang, the SM “Presidentielle” (in fact there are 2) was developed by coachbuilder Chapron. The powertrain has also been adapted for low-speed parades. Despite these modifications, the SM retained the overall allure of the Citroën coupe and remained a very elegant limousine.

Delivered in 1972, its first outing was to welcome Queen Elizabeth of England by President Pompidou. It subsequently paraded with many of the world’s great and good, including Pope John Paul II, and was used for the investitures of Presidents François Mitterrand and Jacques Chirac. The Élysée Palace kept one of the 2 SM “Presidentielle” in its fleet.

After Citroën’s undivided reign, Peugeot was chosen by President Giscard d’Estaing with the 604. With its V6 engine and status-conscious looks, the 604 represented the top of the French automotive range. The 604 “Presidentielle” is a limousine version, built by the coachbuilder Heuliez, over 60 cm longer, with luxuriously appointed rear seats.

After the failure of the Rambler attempt, Renault joined the Presidential fleet in the early 1980s. The Baccara-finish, V6-powered Safrane on display is a unique 1995 model, a limousine version extended by 25 cm to increase space and comfort in the rear.

In 2005, Citroën made a comeback on the official catwalk with the C6 V6 Hdi (diesel). Its extra-long wheelbase of 2.90 m ensures rear-seat comfort. The C6 made its debut in 2005 with Jacques Chirac, but the model shown in blue has been used by the last 3 Presidents of the Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, François Hollande and Emmanuel Macron.

Large photos, archive documents, explanatory panels and videos complete the presentation of the cars, providing an opportunity to discover their characteristics in greater detail, as well as many anecdotes about these mythical models. Information is available in French, German, English, Dutch and Chinese.

The Charles de Gaulle Memorial is located in Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, not far from General de Gaulle’s family home. The 1,600 m² exhibition features photos, videos, sound archives, maps and panels retracing the history of General de Gaulle and the different facets of his life and activities. The Memorial also offers audio guides and a mobile application, available in French, German, English, Dutch and Chinese.