The 2015 Fiat 500L used by the Catholic church for the Pope’s visit to the U.S. in 2015 is set to be auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s for a price tag of up to $100,000. Despite its usual low resale value, this particular model is garnering significant attention due to its unique history and exceptionally low mileage of only 773 miles. While the price may seem steep for a decade-old 500L, collectors are drawn to its association with the Catholic church and the Pope, making it a rare and intriguing piece for enthusiasts. The auction is expected to take place in Toronto, Canada, on May 31, alongside other high-end vehicles in the Dare to Dream collection.
Introduction:
The Fiat 500L, a less popular model known for its modest resale value, has captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts due to its unique history and low mileage. In this article, we delve into the story behind a 2015 Fiat 500L that was used by the Catholic church for the Pope’s U.S. visit and is now up for auction at RM Sotheby’s. Despite its ordinary appearance, this particular 500L has a fascinating background that sets it apart from your average used car, making it a sought-after piece for collectors looking for something truly unique.
### History of the 2015 Fiat 500L
The 2015 Fiat 500L being auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s has an interesting and illustrious history that adds to its appeal. The vehicle was originally provided by Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles, later merged with PSA Peugeot-Citroën to form Stellantis, for the Pope’s visit to the U.S. in September 2015. As Vatican City is surrounded by Rome and Fiat is an Italian brand, the choice of the 500L for the occasion was a suitable one. Given the spacious interior of the 500L, it was a practical choice for transporting the Pope during his visit. While the Pope is known for his humility, often opting for modest vehicles, the 500L offered the necessary space and comfort for the occasion.
### Unique Features and Specifications
Despite its association with the Catholic church and the Pope’s visit, the 2015 Fiat 500L being auctioned off appears to be a standard production model. It is finished in Grigio Scuro with a body-colored roof and is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle features leather upholstery and a six-speed automatic transmission, but it lacks any special modifications or enhancements for security or protection. However, what sets this particular 500L apart is its extremely low mileage of only 773 miles, which explains its pristine, like-new condition.
### Auction Expectations and Pricing
Despite its unassuming appearance and modest specifications, the 2015 Fiat 500L used by the Catholic church for the Pope’s visit is expected to fetch a significant price at auction. RM Sotheby’s estimates that the vehicle could sell for anywhere between $50,000 to $100,000, depending on the interest from collectors and enthusiasts. The auction, set to take place in Toronto, Canada, on May 31, will see the 500L go under the hammer alongside other high-end vehicles in the Dare to Dream collection. Despite the disparity in pricing between the 500L and the other vehicles in the collection, its unique history and association with the Catholic church make it an intriguing piece for collectors.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2015 Fiat 500L used by the Catholic church for the Pope’s U.S. visit in 2015 is a fascinating and unique piece that is set to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s auction. Despite its usual low resale value, the vehicle’s history, low mileage, and association with the Pope have garnered significant interest and speculation among collectors and enthusiasts. The upcoming auction in Toronto, Canada, presents an opportunity for a lucky bidder to own a piece of automotive history that is not only rare but also carries a significant cultural and religious significance.