- The Vatican exhibition displays eight historic Mercedes vehicles and runs until 31 January 2027.
- Bespoke adaptations include removable rear windows, automatic steps, raised roofs and a transparent weatherproof dome.
- A Benz Patent-Motorwagen replica and a current S-Class join the exhibition for Mercedes' 140th anniversary.
Removable windows, automatically extending steps and a glass dome make an unusual equipment list. They also explain how Mercedes-Benz adapted its cars for the Vatican, a relationship now explored in an exhibition running until 31 January 2027.
Mercedes-Benz: A Century of Popemobiles brings eight historic vehicles together in a glass pavilion near the Vatican's Pinacoteca. The selection follows the move from formal limousines and open-backed landaulets to the conspicuous, purpose-built vehicles familiar from papal appearances.
Windows, steps and silk
The story begins with the 1930 Nürburg 460 supplied to Pope Pius XI. Its 4.6-litre eight-cylinder engine was accompanied by a specially furnished cabin, including an individual seat upholstered in silk brocade.
By 1960, the 300 d Landaulet delivered to Pope John XXIII combined a longer wheelbase with rear side windows that could be removed completely. Opening the rear doors automatically extended the steps, while the Pope's central seat was electrically adjustable.
The 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman-Landaulet added wider rear doors, a raised rear roof and an intercom for speaking to the driver. Another exhibit, the 1967 300 SEL Pullman, was stretched by 650mm and used principally to carry high-ranking Vatican guests.
A higher viewpoint
The 230 G developed for Pope John Paul II's 1980 visit to Germany introduced a high, transparent dome that sheltered its occupant while keeping him visible. Pearl-coloured paint, gold trim and a white interior completed the conversion.
Mercedes later applied the concept to the M-Class. The ML 430 was first used at World Youth Day in Toronto in 2002, while the ML 500 supplied in 2012 had a larger glazed rear structure to improve access and visibility. The exhibition also includes the 1997 S 500 long Landaulet, with its electrohydraulic soft top.
Mercedes-Benz has since provided a fully electric Popemobile, a specially adapted G 580 supplied in 2024.
Two further cars accompany the historic Vatican vehicles for Mercedes-Benz's 140th anniversary: a replica of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen and a current S-Class that travelled on the company's six-continent 140 Places tour.
