John Paul II's car to be auctioned off in Paris

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Paris (dpa) - A car that once belonged to the man who became the beloved Pope John Paul II is to be auctioned off in Paris next month, the international auction house Christie's said Tuesday.

The vehicle, a Polish-made 1958 FSO Warszawa, was specially ordered by Karol Jozef Wojtyla when he was bishop of Krakow and its papers are still in his name, Christie's said.

Christie's describes the car, which was held in a private collection, as being in "complete original and unrestored condition".

Estimates on what it will fetch when it goes under the hammer on February 11 vary from 5,000 to 15,000 euros, though the global popularity of its former owner may drive the price much higher.

John Paul II died on April 2, 2005, at the age of 84 and after a pontificate of more than 26 years.