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1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Popemobile Coming to the US

The 125 anniversary celebration of German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is about to take a global turn, with the next stop for the series of events being the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, which will take place March 11 at Summer Beach.

The star of the Mercedes-Benz line-up for the show will be a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman landaulet, purpose built to be used by the Pope Paul VI. The model, which will be shown for the first time in the US, will be part of a fleet of Mercedes 600 models to be brought to Amelia Island.

The special 600, built to suit the needs of the pontiff, features several unique features, not to be found in the fleet of 2,677 600 models built in between 1963 and 1981. Among these features, the individual seat, capable of being raised and lowered as the need arose, is one of the finest.

The model was used in its life by no less than three popes and its current home is the Mercedes-Benz's headquarters in Stuttgart.

The 600 range was a very special line of Mercedes vehicles, meant for the upper class. None of the models ever built resembled the others, but all featured equipment levels far ahead of their time: air suspension, power brakes, central locking systems and an electronic heating and air conditioning system.

"We are deeply indebted to the people at Mercedes-Benz for agreeing to send us the Pope's personal 600," says Bill Warner, Amelia island Concours founder and co-chairman. "It has never been seen here in the United States and it makes a statement worthy of the Pope's status around the world. It is an incredible vehicle and a true showcase for Mercedes-Benz workmanship and advanced technological thinking."
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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