Used by Pope Benedict XVI to travel around the Vatican these days, this is the same open-top Fiat Campagnola in which Pope John Paul II was travelling when Ali Ağca shot him in 1981. Manufactured from 1974 until 1987, a military version of this second-generation Campagnola formed part of the line-up.
Mercedes-Benz G500
The latest in a string of holy Mercs is this G500 from 2007, which the Holy See requested for use on sunny days. The open-top G-Class is equipped with a folding windscreen and hand-rails, and like most of its predecessors, has been treated to the Vatican's 'mystic white' mother-of-pearl finish.
Chevrolet C-10
Originally commissioned for the pontiff's visit to Costa Rica in 1983, this Chevrolet pick-up was recycled for His Holiness' visit to Guatemala in 1996 and sprayed white from its original blue in accordance with Vatican protocol. In more recent years the Chevvie toured Guatemala displaying an image of the Virgin of Los Angeles.
VW Phaeton
Always somewhat overshadowed by its Audi A8 sibling, VW is clearly keen to add some papal appeal to its Phaeton. Presented to Pope Benedict XVI by VW's Bernd Pischetsrieder in 2006, the Holy Father's Phaeton produces an almighty 450bhp from its 6.0-litre W12 and manages a top speed of 150mph. Perfect for trans-Alpine jaunts to his native Germany.
Mercedes-Benz ML430
Unlike his 1980 G-Class car, which featured a removable plastic cupola (or 'pope-pod'), the advanced plastic superstructure on this specially modified 2002 M-Class forms an integral part of the bodywork. Protected from bombs, bullets and biological warfare, this is the car in which Pope Benedict XVI is currently travelling the streets of UK cities.
British Leyland Constructor 24-15
Arriving in Britain just one year after being shot in the 1981 assassination attempt, Vatican representatives demanded extra stringent protection of Pope John Paul II. This truck was the result. Fitted with bullet-proof glass, the 24-tonne truck also served as a 5ft-high platform for addressing the assembled flock.
Range Rover
Sticking with the British theme, Pope John Paul II opted to travel through the UK's cities in two specially modified Range Rovers during his 1982 tour. Not only were these Range Rovers bullet- and bomb-proof, their 4x4 ability assured a quick evacuation of His Holiness, regardless of the terrain.
Ford F-150
Travelling in a specially modified Ford F-150 pick-up, Pope John Paul II waves from the Popemobile on his way to the Guatemala City airport. During his 1982 Argentina visit the Pope similarly travelled in an F-350 modified by the Argentine AA, who had to pull 24 hour pro bono shifts to get the job finished on time.
Lincoln Continental Executive Limousine
Extensively customised by Lehmann-Peterson of Chicago with platforms for security officers, a detachable roof and a 10-inch plexiglass windscreen, this 20ft Lincoln limousine was used by Pope John VI during his visit to New York in 1965. The same car was refurbished and shipped to Bogota, Colombia, for Pope John VI's 1968 visit there.
Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460
Internally known as the Rome Vehicle, this Mercedes was one of the very first official Popemobiles - presented to Pope Pius XI in 1930. In 1983 this vintage limousine with its single throne-chair and ornate medallion of St Christopher was extensively restored by Mercedes-Benz and re-presented to Pope John Paul II.
Source: MSN Cars
