THE DODGE Plymouth that transported two of Ireland’s presidents in the early years of the State was driven back to Ennis, Co Clare yesterday after a four-month restoration project.
The 1947 Dodge, once owned by Éamon de Valera, went back on public display in Ennis after a 24km (15 mile) journey from a workshop in Sixmilebridge.
At the wheel was Independent member of Clare Co Council, Councillor PJ Ryan who has overseen the restoration project on a voluntary basis.
The vintage car enthusiast admitted he was “a little sad today that it is leaving, but I am very proud of the work we have done and that it belongs to the people of Clare”.
Bought as a State car for Seán T Ó Ceallaigh in 1947, it was sold to de Valera in 1959 for an undisclosed sum when Ó Ceallaigh stepped down from the Áras.
Since 1988 it has been kept at the de Valera Library in Ennis after being passed on to the local council by his descendants.
However, the classic American vehicle sustained heavy damage following flooding of the display room during the 2009 winter floods. Councillor Ryan said the car – with 78,000 miles on the clock – required major work.
Speaking at the de Valera monument outside Ennis courthouse, Mr Ryan said 200 hours went into the restoration. “We got new tyres and tubes for it and a lot of work done on the engine.”
Built in Detroit by Chrysler, it is capable of a top speed of almost 100km/h (62mph) and can carry eight passengers and a driver. Cllr Ryan said the car does 16km (10 miles) to the gallon.
The Dodge Plymouth returns to the display room adjacent to the library, but there have been calls for it to be located in a more public place so it would be more visible in the town.
