Pope's limousine up for auction

Fancy a car that's a bit different from your neighbour's? Then you might want to consider a slick black limousine that was once used to drive Pope Paul VI and legendary astronauts.

The 1964 Lincoln Continental Limousine was built by Ford at the special request of the Vatican.

It was used to convey Pope Paul VI through the streets of New York to address the United Nations on world peace.

The parade car was ordered by the Vatican in September 1965 and completed in less than two weeks, to be ready in time for the Pope's address on October 5.

It is a massive 21 feet in length and was built with extra seats on the inside to carry the pontiff, aides and prelates.

It was later loaned to the city of Chicago and used to carry astronauts from the Apollo 8, 11 and 15 missions, including Neil Armstrong.

It's expected to reach a hefty pricetag when it goes under the hammer at Quail Lodge, Carmel in California, on August 19.