A short history of the Popemobile.
Many of the cars display the S.C.V.-1 license plate, a Vatican City State tag reserved for the pontiff. Most are emblazoned with the papal seal of the pope aboard.
About a third come from luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz, but papal rides have been outfitted by local truck and car manufacturers, asked to design and deliver the vehicle in mere weeks. The Vatican almost always includes one request: provide high visibility for the pontiff to be seen by the crowds gathered for his blessing.