Mercedes Benz 300d

Mercedes Benz 300d“ limited edition 1/43

Code RIO 100/P

j_xxiii.jpgWhen on October 20, 1958 the cardinals, assembled in conclave, elected Angelo Roncalli as pope many regarded him, because of his age and ambiguous reputation, as a transitional pope, little realizing that the pontificate of this man of 76 years would mark a turning point in history and initiate a new age for the Church. He took the name of John in honor of the precursor and the beloved disciple—but also because it was the name of a long line of popes whose pontificates had been short.

Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was Pope from 28.X.1958 to 3.VI.1963

The Mercedes-Benz 300 D model, especially made for the Sovereign Pontiff, was equipped with a special body, set on a lenghtened chassis, produced by the same firm of Stuttgart, following the directories of the Vatican Protocol.

pope1.jpg pope2.jpg popefront.jpg

The body was of the “Landaulet” type, that is with permanent roof in the front and completely dropping hood in the back.
The wood was electrically operated by the driver from his seat and could be set in motion without disturbing the passengers. Outside, the car was painted in black, with Pope Roncalli’s coat of arms on the doors.
Pratically, the setting up was very simple with many details belonging to the normal Mercedes-Bemz production.
Both open and closed, the acar kept its sober elegance and remarkable balance, much more noteworthy if we consider its rather huge dimansions (the car being 5,64 metres long).

The mechanics and the driver’s seat were mass-produced while, in the back, there was only a central chair, the so-called “Pope’s Little Throne”, set on a slightly raised level. Consequentkly, to make access easier, two re-entering footboards had been mounted.

The new Mercedes-Benz immediatly became the Pope’s official car.