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3 On Your Side: Fiat Frenzy Following Pope's Visit

By Jim Donovan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's a little black car that's been talked about as much as the famous passenger riding inside.  When Pope Francis stepped off his plane in Philadelphia, it wasn't a limousine standing by to transport him around.

It was a Fiat and 3 On Your Side consumer reporter Jim Donovan finds that people took notice.

While Philadelphians were glued to their television sets watching what Pope Francis would do upon his arrival.

Erik Baron of Jeff D'Ambrosia Alfa Romeo Fiat of the Main Line was paying close attention to the Pope's car.

"I thought cha ching," said Baron.

It was a four door Fiat 500L, and Erik sells them at Fiat dealership where he works.

"I knew we were going to have people start coming in or calling," said Baron

Sources say six Fiat's were delivered to the Secret Service a few weeks before the Pope's visit to the U.S. and while not specifically made for the Pope, they were delivered on a request from the Vatican.

A set of wheels fit for a Pope and it's got other perks for the rest of us.

"It's going to have its peppiness, it's also gonna have space, its got room for your family and the dog," said Baron.

Just what Carmen and Judy Salamone were looking for.

"We have two dogs, one of which is a great dane and she'll fit right in the back of one of those," said Judy Salamone.

Available in 11 colors, and the cost?

"About $27,000 for what he was driving in and we have great rebates and good incentives for coming in to buy it before the end of the month," said Baron.

"If it's good enough for the pope, it's good enough for us," said Carmen Salamone.

We've been told the Pope rode in 4 of the 6 Fiats and that most likely they'll be auctioned off for charity at a later date.  But don't expect any kind of James Bond extras.  Sources tell us that it is likely they weren't modified and were likely not bulletproof.

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