The 5 Most Pimping Popemobiles
Image Source, virtuamod.comIf The Inbetweeners has taught us anything, it’s that traveling in a car is always preferential to being labelled a “bus wanker”. So, choosing to ride the bus when a chauffeur-driven car has been organised specifically for your use is, I’m sure, a decision no-one reading this is able to fathom.
Yet, that’s exactly what newly elected Pope Francis (formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, of Argentina) did this week when he needed to get from the Sistine Chapel to his residence. He took the bus. A private bus filled with other Cardinals, admittedly, but a bus nonetheless.
As the demands of the job intensify, Pope Francis will undoubtedly revert to tooling around in a “Popemobile”. Over the years, presiding Pontiffs have had a fair selection of unique rides to chose from. Here are five of the best.
5. Mercedes 230G
Image Source, virtuamod.comThis G-Wagen, or Geländewagen, was built by Merc’ in 1980 for Pope John Paul II’s visit to Germany. Its now familiar design has since become synonymous with the Popemobile. Bulletproof glass was added after an assassination attempt in 1981.
4. Mercedes 600 Landaulet
Image Source, motortrend.comDelivered to Pope Paul VI in 1965, this Landaulet version of the 600 remained in service until the mid-80s. It boasted an elevated roofline, and a centrally-mounted rear seat that could be raised or lowered automatically.
3. Mercedes G-Wagen
Image Source, Mercedes-BenzPart of the current fleet, this G500 was delivered to Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 after he requested an open car for use in good weather, though it can be converted to traditional “Popequarium” spec’ if needs be. No word yet on whether Pope Francis will be upgrading to the six-wheel drive G63...
2. Leyland 24-Tonne Truck
Image Source, virtuamod.comThe British government got a bit angsty when it was announced Pope John Paul II would visit the UK in 1982, given only one year perviously he’d been the almost-victim of a botched assassination attempt. So, they built this heavily armoured Leyland - the largest, and heaviest Popemobile ever used.
1. FCS Star
Image Source, odkrywca.plDesigned with input from Pope John Paul II himself, the FCS Star is unarguably the baddest Popemobile to date. Essentially a converted firetruck, the Polish-built Star was used for JPII’s visit to his home nation (Poland) in 1979.
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