A Philadelphia car salesman will be rolling like Pope Francis after winning a special Fiat 500L the pontiff used during his historic visit to the United States last year during an auction at the Philadelphia International Auto Show.
Michael Chapman, owner of Chapman Ford in Northeast Philadelphia, placed the winning bid of $82,000 to buy one of the pope's four-door compact at auction Friday night. The car retails for $19,495.
A second Fiat, also used during the September visit, is on display at the car show inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Pope Francis spent two days in Philadelphia attending the World Meeting of Families and celebrating Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. He also addressed a joint session of Congress, met with President Obama at The White House and spoke at the United Nations.
The Fiat became a sensation online after the pope used the Italian vehicle to zip around Washington, D.C., New York, and Philadelphia. Fiat dealerships reported increased sales as well.
People had the opportunity to bid in person or online. Archdiocesan spokesman Ken Gavin said more than 19 bidders participated the auction. He did not say how many bids were cast.
The proceeds will benefit the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's special education schools.
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The pope's second Fiat will be on display through February 7. Organizers say it may be auctioned off once the show closes.