cars news 10: Pope Francis’ Fiat 500L Heads to Auction Block

If sales are any indication, the Fiat 500L probably isn’t on your short list of potential new cars. But what if it was a former Popemobile?

A Fiat 500L wagon that chauffeured Pope Francis around Philadelphia last year is now heading to auction. The car will go on sale January 29 at a charity event ahead of the Philadelphia auto show. We don’t know how much it will sell for, but we’re guessing it will be much more than the current 500L’s base price of $20,325. The auction will allow for both in-person and remote bidding.

Proceeds from the sale will go toward select ministries of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Some of these organizations include the Catholic Charities Appeal, which offers resources for the homeless, and The Schools of Special Education, which assists children with a variety of special instructional needs.

The humble Fiat is one of the papal cars that made headlines and cemented Pope Francis’ image of frugality. The Pope has also been seen in a variety of other inconspicuous cars like a specially made Hyundai Santa Fe.

A second Fiat 500L that carried Pope Francis will be on display at the Philadelphia auto show between January 30 and February 7.

Source: Philadelphia Auto Show, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia