Nope, we’re not talking about a holy decree or something and yes we are making a rare visit to Fiat in this story. At more than 12 times its base price ($24,695), a black Fiat 500 Lounge used by Pope Francis while visiting New York was auctioned for $300,000 by the auction website Charitybuzz. No word if this is the most expensive Fiat ever sold at auction but it is possible.
The Fiat was bought by millionaire businessman Miles Nadal, and proceeds from the auction will go to Catholic schools and charities, as well as the Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association.
The Fiat was one of two such Popemobiles that ferried the pontiff around the Big Apple. “In a couple of occasions, (Pope Francis) was in the Popemobile. For the rest of his time, when he was not in the Popemobile, this is how he traveled around in the motorcade,” New York Archdiocese spokesman Joseph Zwilling told AFP. The second Fiat will also be used to raise money for charitable causes, though there are no set plans yet, he added.
The Charitybuzz auction began March 17, with the first bid coming in at $10,500. On Wednesday, it jumped to $195,000 before hitting $300,000 Thursday. While it’s not exactly sure how much of that translates into divine credit at the pearly gates, this shows, at least, how much value the Vatican adds here on Earth to a Fiat 500 Lounge.
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