The popemobile is perhaps the most famous Mercedes-Benz belonging to a V.I.P. It was built in 1980 for the visit of John Paul II to Germany, to protect the pope from wind and rain. Following the assassination attempt in May 1981, the bodywork was furnished with bulletproof glazing. The custom-built unit based on the Mercedes-Benz cross-country vehicle subsequently accompanied the Holy Father on many of his journeys.