After a two-year development period, Mercedes-Benz has handed over the keys to a brand-new Popemobile to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, formerly Joseph Ratzinger of Marktl am Inn, Bavaria. The Pope requested the open-topped vehicle, which is derived from the civilian G500, for fair-weather outings, and Mercedes, which has been a traditional supplier of papal transportation down the years (starting with a Nürburg 460 Pullman limousine Pope Pius XI received in 1930), was happy to oblige.
Appropriately painted "Vatican Mystic White" and featuring a matching interior, the Holy G boasts a fold-down windshield and handrails for stand-up appearances. It joins several other Benzes in the Vatican garage, including specially modified ML- and S-class models.
Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz.
