Can I Borrow The Citroen Lictoria C6?

The next time I visit Vatican City I've given some thought to contacting the Vatican Museum to see if I can borrow the Citroen Lictoria C6. (Vatican Museum cat. #30565). This spiffy car was given to Pope Pius XI on Monday June 9, 1930 to celebrate both the Conciliation between the Church and the Italian State and the 50th anniversary of the Pope's priestly ordination (December 22, 1929). The body of the car is painted a deep burgundy color. The canopy is embroidered with the dove of the Holy Spirit centered in a halo of golden rays. The rear compartment is equipped with a throne room with elegant panels of inlaid wood. There are even small compartments for storage of small objects that might be useful during a papal journey, such as a breviary. In 1997 the Vatican Post Office issued a set of stamps showing various papal carriages and automobiles (Scott #1028 - 1037). Scott number 1031 specifically pictured the Citroen Lictoria C6.. There was also an associated booklet of stamps issued (Scott #1031a). As a footnote to this article, I have to admit the odds of being able to borrow this car are not too good. After telling my wife about the fantasy of being able to ride in a spiffy car like this, she reminded me that when we were last at the Vatican, I did not even have enough ranking to allow me to photograph the exterior of the Post Office Building. She is right, again, so borrowing the Citroen Lictoria C6 for a joyride will have to wait just a bit! References • Thomas I.Crimando, Papal Carriages And Automobiles Volume 46 Issue 3 1997 Page 1 • Pietro Amato, Carriage Pavilion General Guide To The Vatican City, Pages 436-437, Jaca Books, Copyright 2012 Photograph is from the travel photo collection of Marvin Lanahan