The Improbable Popemobile: SEAT Panda at Santiago Bernabeu 1982

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid faced an unexpected logistical challenge during Pope John Paul II's visit in 1982. The Pope's then-current large, armored Range Rover popemobile proved too wide for the stadium's entrance gates.

A swift and practical solution was needed, leading to a small SEAT Panda being converted into a temporary popemobile by modifying its rear section. This white 'pandita' became one of the most unusual and memorable papal vehicles in history.