One of the tiny black Fiats that Pope Francis wheeled around in during his US jaunt is going up for auction next week in Philadelphia.
The 11-foot-7-inch Fiat 500L, which normally costs less than $20,000, will be auctioned off at the Philadelphia Auto Show Black Tie Tailgate on Jan. 29.
The modest four-door Fiat — not to be confused with his traditional white “Popemobile” — creeps from 0 to 60 in about nine seconds, but has heavenly fuel economy of 33 miles per gallon on the highway.
The 79-year-old, Argentina-born pontiff chose the iconic Italian car as a symbol of his care for the environment and desire to ditch the rich trappings of his office.
Chrysler-Fiat officials reached out to the World Meeting of Families late last year, saying they wanted to donate the Fiats, which the Secret Service had returned to the company after the visit, philly.com reported.
Officials would not say what the starting bid will be, but Auto Show chairman David Kelleher said he expects the Fiat will “far exceed any reserve,” the minimum price a seller is willing to accept.
Proceeds from the auction will go to various charities and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
A second Fiat used by Francis during his September trip will be on display at the Auto Show, which runs from Jan. 30 to Feb 7. That car also may be auctioned off but will remain on display until the show closes.
Thousands thronged streets in the Big Apple, Washington and Philly during Francis’ visit.