One of Russia's historical treasures, a garage founded by the Tsar in 1907 marks its 100th anniversary. An exhibition marking a hundred years since the foundation of Russia's oldest VIP garage has opened in Moscow.

Nicolas II, the Tsar of the Russian Empire set up a garage to store his cars in 1907. The garage was given the name – the Imperial Garage.

Just 7 years later, the Russian Tsar had the biggest personal car fleet among European monarchs, boasting more than 50 vehicles.

“Nicolas II began taking his own cars and drivers on all trips including those abroad. Ever since there were no serious traffic accidents (involving the Tsar family) till 1914, or the start of WW I,” said Valentin Zhilyaev, a historian and a spokesperson for the FSO (Federal Protective Service).

After the 1917 revolution, the Imperial Garage fell into the Bolsheviks hands and started to be called the Special Garage.

The entire car fleet moved from St. Petersburg to Moscow along with the new government.

Vladimir Lenin became the first client of the special unit and his favourite toy of the whole car fleet was the Rolls-Royce.

The best makes of domestic and foreign car producers, including handmade classics, ZIS and ZIL, used by other Soviet leaders, were collected here.

Armour plating, automatic transmission and air conditioning were some of the features unique for that time.

Now the staff of the Special Garage drive the country's President, head of government and foreign leaders coming on visits.