Being a bloke with impeccable taste Pope Benedict XVI has naturally decided that when it comes to having a new 'Popemobile' the only way to go is to get a Mercedes G-Wagen, the go-anywhere 4x4. So in future, Biglorryblog notes, when the Big Man presents himself to pilgrims in St Peter's Sqaure he'll be standing in the back of his shining white G-Class which is the result of a two year development programme from MB ,in close consultation with the Vatican.
Available as an open-topped tourer (should that be 'blesser'?) in fine weather, the G500 also comes equipped with a folding windscreen and handrails and like its predecessor is painted in the (and I quote) 'Vaticanmystic' white finish. The interior is also white and is accessed via steps lined in red at the rear. Whether His Holiness will take a spell at the wheel isn't clear but if he does he'll clearly enjoy himself--especially off-road.
Of course if we're talking ultimate Popemobiles, as far as BLB is concerned there's really only one.....(or rather two). Yes the magnificent Leyland Constructor six-wheeler built in the 80s for the UK papal visit.
Meanwhile, it seems the current Holy Father is continuing a long tradtion of having a Popemobile from Mercedes. Indeed Pope Pius XI was the first to receive a Merc as an official car in 1930---a 1930 Nurburg 460 Pullman Limousine---and not a lot of people know that.
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