Limo That Transported Popes, Astronauts and Other Dignitaries for Sale

By San Francisco Limousine Specialist on August 5, 2011

Legendary auction house Bonham’s has announced the upcoming sale of a 1964 Lincoln Continental Limousine that has transported popes, astronauts, heads of state and other dignitaries over the years. This particular limousine will interest readers who have several parades and other high-profile engagements in the future as it features a detachable roof and a rooftop windshield for parades on windy days. Ford Motor Company received the original order for the limo from the Vatican for a speaking engagement for Pope Paul VI before the United Nations in New York.

Vatican officials had several special requests for the papal limo, including exterior steps and handrails, additional seating for “aides and prelates,” the aforementioned detachable roof so the Pope could view his adoring fans and many other custom limousine accents. A special raised seat and a public address system were installed specifically for the Pope, and the rooftop windshield was installed as a security feature. After the papal address, the limo was loaned to the City of Chicago for ferrying visiting VIPs around the city. Shortly thereafter in 1968, a planned visit to South America for the Pope inspired Vatican officials to recall the limo. It was shipped to Bogota, Colombia and modified so that it would work at higher altitudes.

After the Pope’s swing through the Southern Hemisphere, officials returned the car to Chicago, where it was used to transport the crews of Apollo 8, Apollo 11, Apollo 13 and Apollo 15. If you’re in the market for an antique limo that has transported those who have escaped earth’s gravity as well as those who inspire others to do so in a spiritual sense, you better move fast and have relatively deep pockets. Bonham’s is scheduled to sell the limo on August 19 in California, and it is expected to sell for around $250,000 to $350,000.

We have transported some famous people over the years, and we make a point of treating all our guests like VIPs, but we have not yet received a call from the Vatican or NASA. Well, the good news is that you don’t have to be an astronaut or the spiritual leader of millions to enjoy a luxury San Francisco limousine experience. Just give us at NLS Limo a call at 1-800-339-8936 to make your reservation. It’s that easy! Oh, and if you’re looking for a unique experience, we have antique limousines for rent as well!