Vatican: Century of Mercedes-Benz popemobiles goes on display

The exhibition brings together vehicles used by successive popes , from an opulent 1930 limousine to modern models designed to bring the pontiff closer to crowds while protecting him. The oldest is a Nürburg 460 presented to Pope Pius XI on 23 May 1930 , featuring a luxurious armchair upholstered in raspberry-coloured silk brocade. By 1960, the 300 d Landaulet built for John XXIII had removable rear side windows, allowing him to interact more easily with crowds. Five years later, the 600 Pullman Landaulet introduced a raised roof and folding soft top, enabling Paul VI to stand and greet pilgrims more directly. The modern popemobile took shape in 1980 , when Mercedes-Benz developed the 230 G for John Paul II's visit to Germany .