1964 Lincoln Continental "Popemobile" Will Go To Auction

Just the Facts:

• A 1964 Lincoln Continental Parade Limousine designed for Pope Paul VI goes to auction on August 19 at Bonhams' Quail Lodge sale in Carmel, California.
• The car is one of only a few papal vehicles not created by the Vatican's favorite automotive supplier, Mercedes-Benz.
• The Lincoln "popemobile" was sold for $319,000 in 2006 and is estimated at $250,000-$350,000 in this auction.

CARMEL, California — A 1964 Lincoln Continental Parade Limousine designed for Pope Paul VI goes to auction on August 19 at Bonhams' Quail Lodge sale in Carmel, California. Sale estimates range from $250,000-$350,000.

The stretched Continental was commissioned by the Vatican for the pope's historic 1965 New York visit to address the United Nations on world peace. It was also used three years later for the pope's 1968 visit to Bogota, Colombia for the 39th Eucharistic Congress.

Before being retired from service in the early 1970s, the Lincoln "popemobile" saw duty in Detroit, where it was used by President Lyndon B. Johnson, as well as Chicago, where it was used to convey astronauts from the Apollo 8, 11, 13, and 15 crews.

The Lincoln limo features a wheelbase stretched to 160 inches, with an overall length of nearly 21 feet. Additional modifications by the coachbuilder Lehmann-Peterson included exterior step plates and handrails for the pope's Swiss Guards, additional interior seating for aides and prelates, a raised seat for the pontiff, extra interior lighting, public address system and auxiliary power from a bank of seven batteries.

The car also features a removable roof section, a transparent rear landaulet roof and a roof-mounted auxiliary windshield to protect the pope.

Bonhams says the car is in "completely original and well preserved condition" and has been "carefully maintained" since being taken out of service.

The car last sold at auction in 2006, fetching $319,000.

The current popemobile is based on the M-Class Mercedes and includes many more safety upgrades than the 1964 Lincoln. The Vatican plans to upgrade soon to a greener model.

Inside Line says: One of the few "popemobiles" to be made in America.