Vatican: Century of Mercedes-Benz popemobiles goes on display
From silk-lined limousines to vehicles fitted with bulletproof glass, eight historic popemobiles go on display at the Vatican Museums. The exhibition traces how papal transport has evolved over nearly a century.
The Vatican has opened an exhibition showcasing a century of Mercedes-Benz popemobiles. This display includes vehicles used by successive popes, from a lavish 1930 limousine to contemporary models designed to keep the pontiff safe and engaged with crowds. The oldest vehicle on display is a Nürburg 460 gifted to Pope Pius XI in 1930, featuring a raspberry-colored silk brocade armchair.
By 1960, the 300 d Landaulet for John XXIII had side windows that could be removed, facilitating more interaction with the public. Five years later, the 600 Pullman Landaulet introduced a raised roof and a foldable soft top, enabling Paul VI to stand and greet pilgrims. The modern popemobile emerged in 1980 with the 230 G for John Paul II's German visit, which featured a tall transparent enclosure that offered protection while maintaining visibility.
Later models, like the ML 430 from 2002 and the ML 500 from 2012, reflect the ongoing evolution of papal transport, incorporating security measures such as bulletproof glass. The Vatican's partnership with Mercedes-Benz has also ventured into the electric age, with a modified G 580 becoming the first fully electric popemobile in 2024.
While other manufacturers have supplied vehicles to popes, this exhibition is dedicated to Mercedes-Benz. Vatican Museums director Barbara Jatta highlights that the exhibition aims to illustrate a century of papal journeys, running until January 31, 2027.
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