Dec 7, 2007 / 09:50 am
The automaker Daimler on Wednesday released the latest Popemobile, a custom Mercedes-Benz G500 painted in “Vatican mystic white.”
The new model, unlike Pope John Paul II’s vehicle, does not come with bulletproof glass. Following the 1981 assassination attempt on his life the bulletproof enclosure was added. Pope Benedict seems unfazed by the crazed man who jumped into the Popemobile earlier this year.
According to Daimler, Pope Benedict XVI will use the open-top Mercedes-Benz for his Wednesday public audiences. Outfitted with a folding windscreen and handrails, its cabin is white and accessible by steps lined in red at the rear.
In the past, other automakers including Ford have provided the Vatican with special vehicles. Daimler says the Pope has several Mercedes-Benz cars at his disposal.