This one-off Ford Bronco is fit for the Pope

One-of-a-kind Ford Bronco is inspired by Pope John Paul II's US Popemobile

Auto News

01/26/2022

Ford recently introduced a special edition version of the all-new Bronco. No, we’re not talking about the 400 horsepower Bronco Raptor complete with Fox suspension either. Instead, we’re referring to the one-off Bronco Pope Francis Center Edition. Yes, you read that name right, and it’s being auctioned off for charity. Proceeds will then go to the Pope Francis Center and its fight against chronic homelessness.

The one-of-a-kind Bronco Pope Francis Center Edition is inspired by the Popemobile that Ford built for Pope John Paul II’s visit to the US in 1979. Coincidentally, that vehicle is based on the original Bronco. Like the Popemobile, this Bronco sports the same Wimbledon White exterior paint. It’s then complemented by red body stripes and matching white wheels. Meanwhile, the grille and the upper portion of the metal bumper have been painted in silver.

Compared to the standard Bronco, this Popemobile-inspired SUV one looks more rugged as it’s outfitted with part from the Ford Performance Parts catalog. These include a rooftop lightbar, side pod lights, and wheel-well rock lights from Rigid, as well as tube doors from Genuine Ford Accessories. Other accessories include an in-vehicle safe, MOLLE strap system mounted to the inner swing-gate, plus full vehicle cover, and garage storage bags for the tube doors.

Inside, the one-off SUV features color-matched Wimbledon White painted instrument panel with vent accent, grab handles, and Bronco brand lettering in red. The seating and door panel trim are updated with matching white vinyl contrasting the black seat surround and interior trim.

There’s no word about the engine, but the standard Bronco is available with either a turbocharged inline-four or a twin-turbo V6.

If you’re interested in the one-off Pope Edition Bronco, you can place bids via the Barrett-Jackson auction website. We’re curious if Pope Francis would use this as a Popemobile, though. The roof is already removable, allowing him to stand and wave to the crowd.