Tribute to Pope Francis: The story of the mechanical wrecker that became a popemobile

The Argentine Automobile Club (ACA) pays tribute to Pope Francis and displays the "popemobile" designed specifically for John Paul II 's visit to Argentina in June 1982 in front of its headquarters.

Those passing by Avenida del Libertador 1850 (CABA) will be able to see an immaculate Ford F-350, fully converted into a car, at the entrance of the iconic building.

"We continued to keep it in perfect condition while awaiting Francis' visit," said César Carman, president of the ACA.

The ACA is synonymous with mobility. In its 120-year history , its commitment and dedication to serving motorists and the community, as well as its development and growth in motorsports, have made it a prestigious institution both locally and internationally.

This is a unit that was used by the Supreme Pontiff during his lightning 33-hour visit during the Falklands War.

The model, manufactured in 1981, was intended to be used as a wrecker , but following the visit and at the request of the Archbishopric of Buenos Aires, the Automobile Club employees converted it into a "popemobile," working 24-hour shifts for four consecutive days.

The work included removing the crane from the rear of the truck and installing the cabin where John Paul II would have traveled. The floor of the cabin has an iron plate and a quebracho wood slab, over which a red carpet was laid.

The cabin also features a white swivel seat for His Holiness and four benches for his ecclesiastical or security escorts.

Given the attack it suffered shortly before his visit, the cabin has bulletproof glass and follows all the security standards established by the Holy See at the time. In fact, it was through its windows that John Paul II observed the crowds that gathered to see the first Pope in history to set foot on Argentine soil—for example, along the Ricchieri Highway, the 25 de Mayo Highway, or the streets of Buenos Aires.

The all-white SUV bears the Vatican coat of arms on both doors, while the front bumper displays an Argentine flag and a Vatican flag on both ends.

The opportunity to visit and see the Popemobile is unique, as due to its size, it was not on display at the ACA Automobile Museum.

“We always dreamed of making the Popemobile used by John Paul II in 1982 available to Francis, or designing a new one based on the Vatican's current security measures,” Carman explains.

“Today, in these days of sorrow and reflection, we thought it would be an appropriate moment to remember the ties that united us to the Holy See, and to say as an institution that we were and will always be available to welcome the Holy Father to our land. Regrettably, it was not possible for Pope Francis to do so, but perhaps in the future we can welcome his successor with open arms,” Carman concluded.