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Presidential cars then and now

Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer It's been well-documented that Democratic candidate for president Barack Obama drives a Ford Escape Hybrid while his opponent, Republican nominee John McCain cruises in a Cadillac CTS sedan. Joe Biden's been seen in a 1967 Corvette when he's not on the Amtrak and Sarah Palin trudges through the Alaskan winters in a Chevrolet Suburban. But what about their predecessors? With the help of Hagerty Insurance, an insurance agency specializing in collector vehicles, we took a look at some other noteworthy Commander in Chief vehicles -- as well as the "first cars" of the two presidential candidates.

Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

It’s been well-documented that Democratic candidate for president Barack Obama drives a Ford Escape Hybrid while his opponent, Republican nominee John McCain cruises in a Cadillac CTS sedan. Joe Biden’s been seen in a 1967 Corvette when he’s not on the Amtrak and Sarah Palin trudges through the Alaskan winters in a Chevrolet Suburban. But what about their predecessors? With the help of Hagerty Insurance, an insurance agency specializing in collector vehicles, we took a look at some other noteworthy Commander in Chief vehicles -- as well as the “first cars” of the two presidential candidates.  (Emmanuel Dunad, AFP/Getty Images, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors)

With the help of Hagerty Insurance, an insurance agency specializing in collector vehicles, we took a look at some other noteworthy Commander in Chief vehicles -- as well as the “first cars” of the two presidential candidates.

Ronald Reagan and Army Jeep

Ronald Reagan (1981-1989): 1952 Army Jeep, Model M-38A

Jo Snyder of the Worldwide Auctioneers Group, which sold this car last spring, explains that the M38 A1 was an evolution of the Korean War’s M38 military jeep and the “first manifestation of the round-fender jeep that would ultimately become available to consumers as the CJ-5.” This one was used on Reagan’s California ranch and still had a title reading “Reagan Protective Division. US Secret Service” when it sold for $33,000.  (Bernie Boston / Los Angeles Times and Courtesy of Worldwide Group Auctioneers)

Obama and Ford Granada

Barack Obama’s first car: Ford Granada

The Illinois Senator and Democratic candidate learned to drive in his grandfather’s Ford Granada, which would have looked like this one. It may not have been his ideal learning tool. He told an Indianapolis radio station that “it may be the worst car that Detroit ever built … This thing was a tin can. “  (Emmanuel Dunand, AFP/Getty Images and Courtesy of Ford Motor Company)

John McCain and a 1958 Corvette

John McCain’s first car: 1958 Corvette

The Republican candidate’s first ride -- similar to the one shown here -- is now a highly coveted collector car, reports Hagerty Insurance. This was the first year for the dual front headlights. Some may say this gave the car a much more aggressive look, but Harlan Charles, Chevrolet Corvette Marketing Manager, thinks the 1958 was a more upscale chrome laden luxury take on the Corvette than the 1957.  (Chip Somodevilla/ Getty Images and Courtesy of Kimball Stock)

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