For sale: The President of the United States' car

As he is sworn in as the 44th American President, Barack Obama is making history. And you can own a piece of that history -- a small, automotive related piece -- in the shape of his old car; a 2005 Chrysler 300C.

The car is currently listed on internet auction site eBay here with a current bid of US$154,100.

Obama bought the blue 300C in 2005 and drove it until midway through 2007 when he swapped to a more environmentally and politically friendly Ford Escape Hybrid. The former Illinois senator chose the 5.7-litre V8 HEMI engine, satellite navigation, sunroof and grey leather seating and trim. The car also comes with an extended warranty that covers the car until 2012 or 50,000 miles.

The trade to the Hybrid came after he criticised America's big three auto makers in a speech for not doing enough to anticipate the change in oil prices and the car market. He wasn't alone in choosing the Ford. Most of the presidential candidates from the election, including his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, also added an Escape Hybrid to their personal fleet.

The seller claims to have proof of the car's heritage and back-up from the dealership Obama bought it from back in 2005. The auction ends at 11:15pm on January 20, Pacific US time.

But once he has been sworn in as President he will get the keys to a new ride, a purpose designed and built Cadillac limousine that has more in common with a tank than a car.

"Cadillac is honored to again provide a new Presidential Limousine," says Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac. "This is a great American tradition that we're delighted to renew with an all-new car featuring the best of Cadillac's dramatic design and technology."

Naturally enough, the Cadillac and the Secret Service aren't giving away too many details on the car but some information has leaked out. Although its looks are based on the DTS sedan the presidential limo is actually built on top of General Motor's heavy-duty truck platform. The new model is designed to have a more upright cabin to improve visibility but overall the car is roughly the same dimensions as the outgoing limo.

Nicknamed 'The Beast' the car comes complete with 5-inch think bullet-proof glass capable of withstanding rocket propelled grenades. The car runs on run-flat, bullet-proof tyres on wheels big enough to fit a truck. The car is also completely sealed to withstand a chemical or biological attack.

There have been no photos of the interior and it is believed that even Cadillac employees are not allowed to see the inside. However, it is believed that the car is equipped with a mobile office and the type of luxury you expect from a car built for the most powerful man in the world.

Given it weighs over three tonnes and is probably powered by one of GM's biggest engines -- speculation suggests either an 8.1-litre petrol V8 or 6.1-litre turbodiesel V8 -- fuel consumption is likely to be more than his Escape Hybrid.

Unlike Obama's 300C the old presidential limo won't find its way onto eBay. George W Bush's limo will remain property of the secret service and be used as a spare or for training purposes for the Secret Service.