A car used by two prime ministers until it was parked in the police garage has been presented to Heritage Malta.

 The Austin Princess was Prime Minister George Borg Olivier’s official car in the 1960s and later used for some time by Prime Minister Dom Mintoff.

It is somewhat battered, but still boasts a lavish interior which includes wood trims, leather seats, panelling and high-quality carpeting, together with a glass separator between the driver and rear passenger seats for privacy.

During the time that it was used by Mr Mintoff, it was exclusively maintained by the police force’s mechanics, who were obliged to service it around the clock.

When it was decommissioned, then Sergeant Alfred Stivala parked it in the police garage, where it was subsequently cared for by Inspector Anthony Agius, who is  the officer in charge of the facilities, the police said.

However, in recognition of its historical significance, the car was recently presented to Heritage Malta by Police Commissioner Peter Paul Zammit.

The government agency was also given a black number plate bearing a metal rendition of the former emblem of the republic and a national flag interestingly made to withstand the wind when flown on the front during official events.

Heritage Malta intends to restore the car.