Pope’s Philadelphia Fiat goes up for auction for charity
The popemobile is staying local.
One of two Fiat 500L cars used by Pope Francis during his September trip to Philadelphia has been sold at auction for $82,000.
Michael and Kate Chapman, owners of Chapman Auto Group, secured the winning bid Friday night at a black-tie event kicking off the weekend’s Philadelphia Auto Show.
Chapman Auto Group has seven area locations.
An Archdiocese of Philadelphia spokesman said in a release that more than 19 people from across the country were bidding on the car. The auction lasted just 11 minutes.
The other Fiat will be displayed during the show and might be auctioned off later.
The Archdiocese says all auction proceeds will benefit charities and the archdiocese’s special education schools.
Earlier Friday, about 20 students and some staff members from the special education schools got a sneak peek of the auto show and heard a story about the papal visit before taking a selfie with one of the cars.
“This auction is very special to us because it will help many programs with Catholic charities, but especially our schools of special education,” said Sister Judith Moeller of Our Lady of Confidence Day School, which serves students with intellectual disabilities.
The auto show opens Saturday and runs through Feb. 7.
This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 2:23 PM with the headline "Pope’s Philadelphia Fiat goes up for auction for charity."