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Filed under: Classics, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Luxury

1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile

1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile – Click above for high-res image gallery

There was a time when the Pope set about cruising the world in class and style. While we’ll have no part in arguing the functionality of the current Popemobile, the machine simply can’t hold a candle to the classy lady you see above.

This particular 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman landaulet was built specifically for Pope Paul VI and served three additional pontiffs before getting mothballed in 1985. Why do you care, you ask? Because this particular piece of motoring history is headed Stateside for the very first time as part of this year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance celebrations next month.

Mercedes-Benz has dug the unique 600 out of storage just for the event. Aside from the standard air-ride suspension, power brakes and heating and air conditioning, this particular model came equipped with bullet-proof glass and a unique rear seat that could be raised and lowered so that the Pope could be more easily seen by crowds.

The 2011 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance kicks off on March 11 and runs through the 13th, featuring classic vehicles from all over the globe. Hit the jump to check out the press release.

Gallery: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Coming to America: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile

Coming to America: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Europe, Technology, Specialty, Electric

Pope Benedict XVI is quickly becoming known as the “Green Pope.” During his time at the top of the Catholic Church, His Holiness has made a point to preach sustainable energy, and he’s backed up his words with actions. In 2008, photovoltaic cells were installed on the roof of a Vatican auditorium, and in 2009, a solar cooling unit was added to the Vatican cafeteria.

The Washington Post is now reporting that Pope Benedict wants to take another step towards a greener footprint with a solar-powered Popemobile. The Vatican says that a solar Pope transporter would be a rolling tribute to the Pontiff’s message to promote sustainable energy. But while the Pope’s idea is a good one, so far there apparently are no automakers willing to take on the task.

The German firm SolarWorld, which installed the cells atop the Vatican auditorium, says it can build the Pope an electric solar car, but marketing boss Milan Nitzschke claims that a major hurdle is getting the Vatican security to sign off on such an endeavor. There are apparently concerns about a solar Popemobile having enough speed to take off if there are any security incidents. Nitzschke says that power won’t be an issue, but with a huge bulletproof dome atop a vehicle that’s bound to weigh several thousand pounds, we’re thinking range could be a problem as well.

Is a solar Popemobile possible? Of course, but it may not sport large areas of solar cells atop the Pope’s bulbous sled. It may be more practical to have an electric Popemobile with large yet portable solar cell arrays that can plug in and charge the vehicle when it isn’t on the Papal parade route.

[Source: The Washington Post | Image: Josep Lago/AFP/Getty]

Pope Benedict wants… solar-powered electric Popemobile? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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