Tag: white

  • Market Find: 2023 Sonderwunsch Porsche 911 Sport Classic Set Broad Arrow Amelia Island Sale

    Market Find: 2023 Sonderwunsch Porsche 911 Sport Classic Set Broad Arrow Amelia Island Sale

    What: 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic
    Color: Dolphin Grey (dolphingrau; non-metallic UNI; Z99 / 6410; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AG2A92PS252355
    Mileage: 2,383 miles
    Price Estimate: $450,000 – $500,000
    CarFax: Inquire
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Broad Arrow The Amelia Auction 2025, Amelia Island, FL
    Auction Listing: Link

    Why We Love It:

    It takes a special kind of buyer to dip into Paint to Sample, much less Sonderwunsch, orders with a solid approach to subtlety. It happens though, and we appreciate it because what makes the car special becomes less of a look-at-me scream and more of an invitation of if-you-know-you-know nods from those who get it.

    Cars like this 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic in the very light and almost-white looking Dolphin Grey paired with color-matched wheels are textbook if-you-know-you-know. To many, this may look like just another white 911 with a ducktail, but to the Porsche-aware it is just so much more.

    To the uninitiated, the Sport Classic dusts of the name of the 997.2 era 911 and reformulates it ever-so-slightly, basing this most modern Sport Classic on the 911 Turbo S. This means Porsche’s most potent turbocharged model, which trades its whale tail for a retro duck tail. It is the Sport Classic and only the Sport Classic where a manual can be had with the 911 Turbo S engine, a configuration this car most definitely boasts.

    Dolphin Grey comes from the latter 356 and earliest 911/901 era of the mid-60s at Porsche. Such subtle pastel takes of that era are en vogue again, and translate well to modern cars with timeless design. In this case, that’s even more pronounced by a pairing with Black Heritage Design Classic leather interior with Pepita (houndstooth) seat centers.

    Since it’s a Sport Classic, standard features include the aforementioned Classic Black Heritage Design trim and Black carpeting, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, Sport Chrono, PASM Sport Suspension, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, Adaptive Sport Seats Plus with Backrest Shells in Leather, Extended Dashboard and Door Panel Package in Leather, Front Axle Lift and Carbon Fiber Roof. Options include the Burmester Surround Sound System, Interior Trim Inlays in Leather, Inner Door-Sill Guards in Leather, Ambient Lighting, and Under Door Puddle Light Projectors.

    Though not mentioned in the auction listing, we also note that the Sport Classic-specification modern center-lock Fuchs 5-spoke wheels appear to be distinctively color-matched to the car’s Paint to Sample Dolphin Grey body panels for a further flourish of subtle tailoring.

    As shown on the badging, this car is #299 of the 1,250 Sport Classics manufactured. It was delivered new in Minneapolis, MN and, thus far, has had two owners.

    This car will be part of Broad Arrow’s auction at The Amelia 2025. Interested parties should plan to bid on it there.

  • Market Find: 2023 Audi exclusive Suzuka Grey R8 V10 performance with Ocean Blue Leather

    Market Find: 2023 Audi exclusive Suzuka Grey R8 V10 performance with Ocean Blue Leather

    What: 2023 Audi R8 V10 performance
    Color: Audi exclusive Suzuka Grey Pearl Effect (SuzukaGrau; pearl effect; LY7F / M1 ; Audi)
    Chassis: WUA4BCFX1P7900718
    Mileage: 1,625 mi
    Price: $269,900
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Exotic Knights, Orlando, FL
    Sales listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Generally speaking, life is cyclical and the world of Tailored Driver is no different. Like seasons, Tailored colors on the secondhand market seem to cluster and we’ll spot incredibly rare or interesting specs in twos and threes. Case in point is this Tailored Driver, a 2023 R8 V0 spyder in Audi exclusive Suzuka Grey Pearl Effect paired with exclusive Ocean Blue extended leather. Both of these options are having a moment- this being the second Ocean Blue exclusive interior we’ve seen in a week, as well as the second exclusive application of Suzuka found in the same time. Making this more compelling though, is that this Tailored Driver is a last of it’s kind as R8 production has ceased. What a fitting sendoff.

  • EU Market Find: Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II Bianco Perlato

    EU Market Find: Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II Bianco Perlato

    What: 1994 Lancia Delta Integrale Bianco Perlato
    Color: Bianco Perla (biancoperla; metallic uni; 271; Lancia)
    VIN: Unknown
    Mileage: 51,000 km, 31,689 miles
    Price: €150,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Private Party Sale, Taranto, Italy
    Sales listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    The Delta Integrale holds a special place in the hearts of auto enthusiasts as a rally homologation special. By mainstream measure, a 5-door hatchback is not the expected stuff of legends, but consider the hardware and engineering that goes into making such an economy car into a rally legend with six-consecutive WRC championships from 1987-1992 and the logic begins to make sense. Also… box flares.

    Seriously though, despite a less-than-optimum driving and steering wheel position, the Lancia Delta Integrale has built a cult-like following for these rally-bred reasons. Top of the heap is the Delta Integrale Evoluzione II. Now throw in limited edition with series production of just 365 and the collectibility factor grows even more.

    Over its time in production, Lancia built several special edition models – Martini 6, Verde York, Blu Lagos, Giallo Ginestra and, finally, the Bianco Perlato you see here. Painted Bianco Perla (pearl white) over dark blue leather, it is a color combination dripping in 1990s fashion.

  • Market Find: 2021 Audi exclusive Balloon White Pearl RS 7 sportback

    Market Find: 2021 Audi exclusive Balloon White Pearl RS 7 sportback

    What: 2021 Audi RS 7 sportback
    Color: Audi exclusive Balloon White Pearl (Pearl effect; 224.009; Lamborghini)
    VIN: WUAPCBF27MN903610
    Mileage: 67,954 miles
    Price: $87,500
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: West State Motorsport, Federal Way, WA
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    We’ve always loved the ‘LEGO’ nature of Volkswagen Group vehicles, which has allowed for some wildly inventive and impactful OEM+ upgrades on platform share vehicles over the years. With a catalog of hits as deep as theirs, it can also extend to colors as well, which is exactly what we’re presenting in this Tailored Driver. Lamborghini’s Balloon White is used as a subtle differentiator on this RS 7, further bolstered by a vibrant Audi exclusive red (exact shade undetermined) extended leather found within. Tasteful modifications are featured throughout, making this Tailored Driver the ultimate expression of the very concept this site was founded on.

  • Market Find: TT RS Heritage Edition in Alpine White at Audi Cary

    Market Find: TT RS Heritage Edition in Alpine White at Audi Cary

    What: 2022 Audi TT RS Heritage Edition
    Color: Alpine White (alpinweiß; non-metallic UNI; L90E; Audi) 
    VIN: WUAASAFV3N1900399
    Mileage: 3,806 miles
    Price at Time of this Writing: $78,950
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: See Gallery Below
    Location: Audi Cary, Cary, NC
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Audi of America built just 50 each of this limited “Heritage Edition” TT RS, most excellently using Audi exclusive to create 10 each of five different heritage-themed color combinations. This car is one of those painted Alpine White over Ocean Blue.

    Each car also got:

    • 20” 5-arm cutter design wheels in bi-color anthracite finish
    • Audi exclusive etching in rear quarter glass
    • 174 mph top speed limiter
    • Alcantara covered steering wheel with 12 o’clock marker in leather color
    • Alcantara covered shift lever
    • Alu-optic exterior elements including mirror housings
    • OLED taillights
    • RS logo floor mats with contrast stitching
    • Sport exhaust with black tips
    • Electric spoiler / rear wing delete

    For Audi and specifically TT RS aficionados, these cars are a sought-after find when they rarely come onto the market. This one is reportedly exceptionally kept and showing low mileage, features the balance of the factory warranty and is in inventory at Audi Cary in North Carolina.

    Special thanks to Evan Hagedorn who shared the listing and some unique photography we’ve included below originally over on the Audi Club North America Classifieds Group. Evan is an Audi Brand Specialist at Audi Cary, so make sure to look him up if you inquire about the car and let him know you saw it on Tailored Driver.

  • Market Find: Spikes Car Radio Plan-Z 911 GT3 RS at Porsche Clearwater

    Market Find: Spikes Car Radio Plan-Z 911 GT3 RS at Porsche Clearwater

    What: 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
    Color: White a.k.a. Pure White (weiß / reinesweiß; non-metallic UNI; C9A; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0AF2A91RS272196
    Mileage: 1,141 miles
    Price at Time of this Writing: $419,992
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Clearwater, FL
    Dealer listing: Link (contact Larry Wood, lwood@bertsmith.com, call/text” 727-967-7022)

    Why we love it:

    If you’re fans of Spike’s Car Radio (Links: Apple, YouTube) as we are, then you probably know that “Plan Z” is vernacular for a car owned by multiple people (typically friends who trust each other not to leave groceries in the frunk). You probably also know that show hosts Spike Feresten and Paul Zuckerman are frequent Plan Z partners.

    More recently, the two have hooked up with Porsche Clearwater and have been rotating the latest Zuffenhausen it-cars through their storage hangars at the Santa Monica airport. It seems like a winning combination, because Spike and Zuckerman regularly have access to Porsche’s latest and greatest, while their ability to concoct a pretty fantastic specification means Porsche Clearwater has a regular supply of most excellent builds with an entertaining provenance.

    The latest in that line is this 2024 Porsche 911 GT 3 RS with Sonderwunsch touches, traded because their 911 S/T is inbound. Their movement on to the next one is someone else’s gain though, because this car is a choice build that they’ve spoken about regularly on the show.

    There’s a lot to review and love when you check out the details of this car via the link above, but we’ve got our favorite details we’ll call out. For starters, they patterned the first 992 GT3 RS a.k.a. “Wingman” display car Porsche revealed at Monterey Car Week 2022. However, they swapped the white/green combo of Wingman for another blue for an iconic 911 Carrera RS 2.7 color scheme. They went for the bold strategy of comfort seats over shell seats, and notably went for the Weissach package, however painted the standard White paint over the carbon on the roof and hood for more of an understated look. That last move was done, according to Spike via the podcast, at the direct suggestion of Porsche’s GT Line Director Andreas Preuninger, which makes it all that much cooler.

    Special thanks to Larry Wood of Porsche Clearwater for providing photos and details on the car. If you’re interested, contact him directly via the contact information next to the listing link listed above. Thanks for the tip Nish Pillai.

  • Market Find: White on White Homologation Special Audi Sport quattro

    Market Find: White on White Homologation Special Audi Sport quattro

    What: 1984 Audi Sport quattro
    Color: Alpine White (alpinweiß; non-metallic uni; L90E / P1; Audi)
    VIN: WAUZZZ85ZEA905035
    Mileage: Not Reported
    Price at Time of this Writing: Estimated $375,000 to $475,000, No Reserve
    CarFax: N/A
    Original MSRP: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Arizona Auction
    Auction listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Whether this car qualifies to be highlighted on this site is perhaps debatable. On the positive side, it’s one of only 164 road variants of the homologation special Audi Sport quattro ever built. That definitely makes it a limited production vehicle much like the Ferrari F40, yet it’s a repaint (originally red) with a standard color (Alpine White), making it not factory original. Also, it’s got a non-factory interior, so there’s that.

    Here’s the thing though. The car is one of five imported by Audi Club North America founder Frank Beddor back in period when North American Audi motorsport boss Jo Hoppen was working with people like Frank to elevate the image of the newly reformed Audi brand. As a result, Beddor ordered no less than five Sport quattros, legally importing them through Andial when they were still new, then upgraded a few of the cars (including this one) by Audi Sport suppliers like Lehmann who built the engine.

    It’s said this car was repainted white in order to stand out more at Ferrari Club events where it went as a ringer to beat up on Maranello’s finest with Beddor’s son Steve at the wheel. At some point not outlined in the RM Sotheby’s listing linked above, the car was also fitted with a white leather interior.

    It’s a little known fact that color and trim options on the Sport quattro were few. Colors were Toronado Red (128 produced), Alpine White (48), Copenhagen Blue (21), Malachite Green (15) and Black (2). According to legend, those two black examples went to Walter Röhrl and Ferdinand Piëch.

    On the inside, all cars came with a putty-ish grey/brown leather and seat centers in an Alcantara type material. Any deviations from that, like the white leather interior in this car, would have been done at a later time as these cars were built long before Audi exclusive ever existed.

    Even still, we applaud the white on white decision. Sport quattro interiors have always looked drab to us anyway, while white-on-white was cool across the 80s car industry spectrum from Volkswagen’s Rabbit/Golf Cabriolet to the Lamborghini Countach.

  • Color Check: Bentley Flying Spur in Damson over White Sand

    Color Check: Bentley Flying Spur in Damson over White Sand

    If there are brands that can pull off retro design cues such as numbers painted on grillework or two-tone paint, then they’re likely British and steeped in heritage. That’s not a large group of marques, and if we narrow it down to brands that can pull this off in a modern way then we’d challenge you to name anyone who does the latter better then Bentley.

    Take for example this specification on the Flying Spur Speed, a combination of Damson (damson; metallic UNI; 6410; Bentley) over White Sand (whitesand; metallic UNI; LK1V; Bentley). A colorful combination it is not, but there’s something classic about this multi-shade and modern take on black over white… especially an incredible specification like this new Continental Flying Spur Speed that turned up on the brand’s Global Media Drive. Bentley has released photos of each car on location for the drive. This includes full build specifications. Going forward, we’re going to be color checking all of them, and first up is this particular specification.

    Damson is a go-to black for Bentley, while White Sand appears to be a Silvery Beige white the duo-tone paintwork by Mulliner is accented on this car with blackware and black-painted 22-inch ten swept spoke wheels.

    Inside, the cabin is a duo-tone Damson and Portland leather, dark-tinted Brushed Aluminum fascias and contrast stitching throughout.

    Worth noting, the car also has several options that we’ll list here along with U.S. pricing. These include Mulliner Personal Commission – Duo Tone Paintwork ($33,325), ‘Naim for Bentley Premium Audio System ($9,615), Touring Specification ($7,890), Bentley Rotating Display ($6,955), Illuminated Flying ‘B’ in Black Gloss ($5,315), Flying Spur Blackline Specification ($5,175), Full Length Centre Console 4-Seat Configuration ($5,135), Wellness Seating ($4,670), Dark Tint Diamond Brushed Aluminum Fascia ($4,330), 22″ Ten Swept Spoke Wheels – Black Painted ($4,000).

    Touring Specification includes Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Night Vision and Head-up Display.

    Flying Spur Blackline Specification includes Black Gloss Matrix Style Grille and Black Surround, Black Gloss Bumper Lower Matrix Style Grille Surround, Black Gloss Front Headlamp and Rear Lamp Bezels, Black Gloss Side Window, Lower Door and Door Handle Brightware, Black Gloss Wing Vent, and Black Gloss Rear Bumper and Number Plate Surround Brightware.

    Wellness Seating includes Postural and Lumbar Adjustments, Cooled and Heated Seating and Massage Functions.



  • Vision for Range Rover  SV Bespoke: Presenting the Range Rover SV Candeo

    Vision for Range Rover SV Bespoke: Presenting the Range Rover SV Candeo

    • Range Rover is debuting its newest and most highly crafted SV Bespoke vehicle at Design Miami. Range Rover SV Candeo, which means ‘to shine’ or ‘to glow’ in Latin, is a one‑of‑one vehicle inspired by the sunrises of the Miami coastline
    • Featuring hand‑finished, 18K solid gold Range Rover script badging, expertly 3D printed and crafted by British jewelers from fully recycled gold responsibly sourced from around the world
    • A unique, hand‑applied duo‑tone fade paint finish harmonizes beautifully, evoking the Miami coastal skyline; the first time such a paint finish has ever been executed on a Range Rover vehicle
    • Exquisite one‑of‑a‑kind embroidery design characterizes the theme of light; distinctive rear seat cushions alone feature 90,000 stitches each, alongside embroidered seat backs and, for the first time, an embroidered headlining
    • A year in the making, the Range Rover SV Candeo signals the future of SV Bespoke personalization for Range Rover’s most discerning clients seeking the ultimate luxurious finishes
    • The Range Rover SV Candeo is on display at Design Miami from December 3‑8, 2024

    Drawing inspiration from the cool tones of Miami’s famed coastline, Range Rover has crafted a unique curation that expresses this natural beauty. The Range Rover SV Candeo, defined as ‘to shine’ in Latin, reflects the world‑famous oceanic vistas. Displayed during Design Miami, as part of Range Rover’s official partnership, it is presented in a space dedicated to the Range Rover’s guiding modernist design philosophy, with a cinematic backdrop storying Miami’s landscape and oceanic views. 

    The exterior features a duo‑tone paint finish – applied by hand to create a graceful ombre effect from a bespoke sky‑blue satin hood color fading into a lustrous pearl white along the upper portion of the distinctive Range Rover silhouette. This elegant color combination magically captures the subtle golden reflections shimmering on the clear blue waters of Miami. The exterior is finished with Forged 23‑inch Diamond Turned directional alloy wheels with matching pearl white inserts. 

    Complementing the exterior on the front and rear lies exquisitely‑crafted 18K solid gold Range Rover script badging – weighing in at over 900g; more gold than has ever been applied to a Range Rover before. The gold is recycled from 100% fully audited recycled sources, preserving natural resources. Each letter features an 18K yellow‑gold outer and white‑gold inner and is 3D printed for precision, hallmarked, then hand‑finished by a British Jeweler to ensure it lies perfectly flush – with a polished outer edge and a brushed face.

    The interior of this unique and exclusive vehicle is the perfect combination of harmonious tones; a Liberty Blue Near‑Aniline and Perlino Semi‑Aniline leather finish capturing the essence of the transformation between dawn to noon. This theme is further brought to life with careful and considered embroidery across the cabin, as well as Natural Dark wood veneers and white ceramic finishes on the gear shifter and controls.

    Luxurious left and right seat backs feature a radiating sunrise motif meticulously embroidered– viewed in all its glory from the front looking rearwards, where the rays seemingly stretch to each corner of the interior. For the first time, Range Rover SV Candeo features an embroidered headlining, finished in Perlino with nuances of gold in different lights, continuing the theme of sunrise. Cabin cushions feature a geometric sundial repeat pattern, with 90,000 stitches per cushion for a tactile, intriguing and precise finish that exemplifies workmanship beyond compare.

    The rear cabin of the Range Rover SV Candeo offers unparalleled comfort for two rear‑seat passengers. SV Signature suite seats with Range Rover SV‑specific contours feature 24‑way adjustment with massage functionality, complete with a chiller compartment for drinks, while an elegant electrically deployable Club Table rises theatrically from the fixed full‑length center console on beautifully engineered supports to provide a convenient workspace when required. 

    Completing this unique creation is the Tailgate Event Suite – inspired by the calming glow of morning sunrises across the Miami coast – finished in Liberty Blue Near‑Analine leather with embroidered seat cushions featuring a unique radial sun design.

    The SV Bespoke commissioning service is available on Range Rover SV and Autobiography cars. Clients are invited to begin their Bespoke journey via their preferred Range Rover retailer or by contacting bespoke@jaguarlandrover.com directly. The SV Bespoke service provides exclusive in‑person or virtual commissioning with an extensive range of interior and exterior options and vehicle personalization.

    About the Range Rover Brand

    Every Range Rover leads by example with modernist design, connected, refined interiors and electrified performance driving unrivalled luxury. Inspired by exemplary design since 1970.

    The brand encompasses Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque and is underpinned by Land Rover – a mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology, vehicle architecture and off‑road capability. 

    As part of our vision of modern luxury by design, every Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are available as an electric hybrid. A fully electric Range Rover and Range Rover Sport is anticipated to  arrive by the middle of the decade. 

    Range Rover is one of the world’s leading British luxury brands, sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands together with Defender, Discovery and Jaguar.

  • Popemobile Specification Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology

    Popemobile Specification Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology

    • Handcrafted one-off based on the new electric G-Class fulfils high requirements
    • Vehicle to be handed over in time for the 2025 Jubilee and contributes to the realisation of the encyclical “Laudato Si”
    • Pope Francis invites CEO Ola Källenius and the team involved from Graz, Sindelfingen and Rome to a private audience
    • Long tradition continues: Mercedes-Benz has been supplying cars to the Vatican for almost 100 years

    [source: Mercedes-Benz]

    Mercedes-Benz has been supplying cars to the Vatican for 94 years and for the past 45 years, the Pope has been using the renowned “Popemobiles” based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Now, for the first time, the Popemobile from Mercedes-Benz is going all-electric: Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and the team members involved personally handed over a handmade unique vehicle based on the new electric G-Class to Pope Francis in the Vatican today.

    This means that the Pope will be travelling locally emission-free in a new Mercedes-Benz in time for the 2025 Jubilee – an event that only takes place every 25 years and one for which millions of pilgrims are expected in Rome. The vehicle fulfils high requirements and was developed in close cooperation with the Vatican specifically for the Pope’s use. Its electric drivetrain, which was adapted to the particularly low speeds required for public appearances, contributes to the realisation of the encyclical “Laudato Si”. In it, Pope Francis describes the need for sustainable development.

    At the handover, Ola Källenius thanked Pope Francis and all those involved and emphasised the sustainable business strategy of Mercedes-Benz:

    “With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be travelling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances. This is a special honour for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust. With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonisation. Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the special and individual – but also for consistently creating the conditions for a net-carbon-neutral[1] new car fleet in 2039.”
    Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG

    A unique experience: Pope Francis invites participating team members from Graz, Sindelfingen and Rome

    Ola Källenius was accompanied by Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing, and Marc Langenbrinck, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Italia, at the appointment just outside St Peter’s Basilica. But the Holy Father also met with those who developed and built his new vehicle. Employees from Design, Research & Development, Manufacturing and Sales & Marketing were therefore also invited to the event and were able to hand over “their” vehicle on behalf of many others involved. The handover was followed by a private audience with the Pope. A team of specialists from Graz (A), Sindelfingen (D) and Rome (I) worked together for around a year. The project was managed by the team in Rome while the electric drivetrain was adapted by the team in Graz. The experts from Sindelfingen produced the bodywork, interior fittings and customised equipment using traditional craftsmanship.

    Handmade model: Details of the vehicle based on the new G580 with EQ technology

    The electric drivetrain of the new G580 with EQ technology (combined energy consumption: 30.4-27.7 kWh/100 km | Combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A)[2]was adapted to fully utilise the advantages of the four near-wheel motors for the special purpose of slow journeys at public appearances.

    In the rear, the bench seat was replaced by a centrally positioned and height-adjustable single seat. This swivelling main seat makes it possible to move around flexibly and address an audience from different angles. Behind the single seat, two single seats have been integrated on the left and right for additional passengers.

    The roof was removed at the B-pillar, and the B-pillar itself was harmoniously transitioned into the side wall to create an unmistakable side profile. In case of rain or bad weather conditions, a separate hardtop offers protection for the occupants. The left rear door was removed and rebuilt by the specialists – in traditional coachbuilding style – from a single piece and seamlessly welded into the bodyshell. On the right-hand side, the hinges of the rear door were relocated to the opposite side.

    Like the previous Popemobiles, the vehicle is painted in classic pearl white on the outside.

    A long tradition: The history of Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the Vatican

    Mercedes-Benz has been manufacturing vehicles for the head of the Catholic Church and his travels and public appearances for almost 100 years. The first vehicle of this type was a Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon for Pope Pius XI from 1930. At the time, Mercedes-Benz was awarded the delivery contract due to a harmonious overall package – and because the team at the time transferred an important characteristic of previous carriages to the vehicle: The possibility of travelling with two dignitaries and other staff using folding seats. In the 1960s, John XXIII received a 300 Landaulet with an automatic transmission and extended wheelbase. His successor Paul VI initially used a 600 Pullman Landaulet and later a 300 SEL – also a Landaulet. In the 1980s, John Paul II used the first vehicle officially called Popemobile for events in St Peter’s Square, a modified 460 series G model. From 2002, he used a 463 series G 500, which was also used by his successors Benedict XVI and Francis. Specially-designed cars based on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and the GLE were also used at times. After their retirement from service, some of the Popemobiles were placed for viewing in the Vatican and the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

    Statements from Britta Seeger, Marc Langenbrinck, Gorden Wagenerand participating team members

    “We build the perfect Mercedes for every customer – including, for almost 100 years, the Vatican. We are overjoyed to be able to fulfil the Holy Father’s wish for an electric Popemobile and are particularly proud to be able to build the vehicle according to his requirements. This cooperation at eye level honours us deeply and is a valuable symbol of sustainable change together.”
    Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Sales & Marketing

    “The G-Class is one of Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic vehicles and we are proud that we can develop vehicles for the Holy Father in this tradition. The first all-electric G-Class combines sustainability, elegant design and maximum functionality. It is a great honour for us to be able to present this special vehicle to Pope Francis today.”
    Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG

    “Today we are experiencing an important moment that underlines the deep bond that has united Mercedes‑Benz Italy and the Vatican for more than half a century. As Pope Francis emphasizes, business must be an integral part of the community. Thus, it is a great honor for us to contribute to this unique project. On behalf of the large family of Mercedes-Benz Italy, I would like to extend to the Holy Father my sincerest wishes for his well-being and the fruitful continuation of his Magisterium. We look forward to a wonderful Jubilee and we are certain that ‘our Papamobile’ will be a valuable support for His Holiness in the many engagements that await him.”
    Marc Langenbrinck, Mercedes-Benz Cars Italy Sales & Head of Mercedes-Benz Italy

    “I’m very proud that I was able to contribute to the electric Popemobile. From the first sketch to the final sign-off, the team’s work was characterised by great passion, professionalism and respect for the task. The vehicle represents an incredible amount of manual labour and passion – but it’s also full of state-of-the-art technology. The fact that Pope Francis has invited some of us to hand it over personally really tops everything off. It’s an experience that you’ll tell your grandchildren about.”
    Klaus Millerferli, Development Engineer at Mercedes-Benz AG in Sindelfingen

    “With the G-Class, we are used to working on one of the most legendary and iconic Mercedes-Benz models on a daily basis. Building a vehicle for the Pope is something also very special for us – but even here we have experience. The entire team in Graz is very happy and proud that the Vatican is once again relying on our G.”  
    Peter Zotter, Development Engineer at Mercedes-Benz G GmbH in Graz

    [1] Net carbon-neutral means that carbon emissions that are not avoided or reduced at Mercedes-Benz are compensated for by certified offsetting projects.

    [2] The specified values were determined in accordance with the WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement method. The ranges given refer to ECE markets. The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a car depend not only on the efficient utilisation of the fuel or energy source by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.