1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulet Papal Car
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(from Daimler Press Release) The tailor-made vehicle for the Vatican was the result of cooperation between Testing and Production in Sindelfingen. It is based on the Mercedes-Benz 600 (W 100 series) with long wheelbase. However, the appointments differ from the standard equipment. The rear doors are much wider and abut directly on the front doors. The rear doors also were given new controls to make them easier to reach for the Pope from the individual seat which he occupied in the center of the rear section. The Pullman Landaulet has a raised roof to afford adequate headroom, and a flat floor in the rear seat area.
The Holy Father was enthused about the high technical level of the W 100 series. "The name Mercedes has become a byword for German diligence and German efficiency in the whole world. And for this reason we appreciate your gift today all the more." With these words Paul VI praised the automotive engineering from Stuttgart upon delivery of the vehicle. Further special equipment of the vehicle includes a cooling system, the intercom unit for contact with the driver, and the individual seat in the rear, adjustable in several directions, which always presented the Holy Father in prominently visible position.
Today the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet with the legendary license plate SCV 1 is a part of the collection of Mercedes-Benz Classic. SCV stands for Stato della Cittą del Vaticano. The number 1 identifies the vehicle used by the Pope as official car.