New Delhi: On the occasion of 93rd Indian Air Force Day celebrations at the Hindon Air Base, a symbol of pride, power, and history made a dignified return — the 1967 Ford Staff Car, which once served as the, official vehicle of Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal, graced the parade ground once more. In a rare tribute to the past, the current Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh decided to reach at the venue in this vintage car.
This iconic car — equipped with a 390 V-B engine, producing 315 BHP at 4600 RPM (8 Cylinder powerful Engine) — was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, USA, and inducted into the Indian Air Force on 30th July, 1969.
CAS Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh arrived in vintage car that once belonged to former CAS, Air Chief Marshal P.C. Lal.
The vintage Ford Saloon car was used by subsequent Air Chiefs until 1992, is now housed at the Indian Air Force Museum in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/Cv7Roq9e4R
— Defence News Of INDIA (@DefenceNewsOfIN) October 8, 2025
Shortly after its induction, the car was assigned to Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal, DFC, the then Chief of the Air Staff. ACM Lal, a visionary leader, played a pivotal role in modernizing the Indian Air Force during a period of critical strategic importance.
It was this very car that transported him during one of the most defining periods in Indian military history — the 1971 Indo-Pak War. As India and the IAF got ready for a quick and decisive action that led to the creation of Bangladesh, ACM P.C. Lal was leading, planning and directing one of the most effective air operations in modern history. Under his leadership, the Indian Air Force achieved air superiority within days, enabling rapid ground advances and ensuring a swift conclusion to the conflict.
The car became a silent witness to history — ferrying the Air Chief to high-level briefings, strategic planning sessions, and operational command centers during those tense days of 1971.
After over two decades of service, this Ford was formally decommissioned and presented to the Indian Air Force Museum by Air Chief Marshal N.C. Suri on 10th June 1993, preserving its legacy for generations to come.
But today, in a special moment, history came alive as the current Chief of the Air Staff arrived at the Air Force Day celebrations in this very car. This classic car drove once again across the parade ground, connecting the past with the present, remembering a great leader, and reminding us that the Indian Air Force stands strong because of leaders who came before.