From the very expensive and limited Rolls-Royces to the popular Land Rovers and Aston Martins: the late Queen of Great Britain was famous for her great love for automobiles. Now it even seems that almost the entire automotive history fits into the life of the late monarch.
Elizabeth had always been an avid driver and preferred to drive even at an advanced age, although she had personal drivers. In her collection, one could find a variety of automobiles from all over the world, although she had a special love for car manufacturers of British origin. Let’s take a look at her rare and exquisite automobiles that found a place in the royal garage over the years of the late Queen’s reign.
Official Cars
For official visits and meetings, the Queen kept 8 automobiles – three Rolls Royces, three Daimlers, and two Bentleys in the royal garage. All of these vehicles had a specially selected burgundy and black color, known as the “royal claret”. Moreover, the royal automobiles for official visits do not have registration marks, but only serial numbers, for example, Bentley No. 1. In addition to these classic automobiles, Her Majesty’s garage included automobiles for personal use, both special orders, and regular vehicles.
Rolls-Royce Phantom IV
As a princess, Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh ordered a special Rolls-Royce Phantom IV in 1950 for personal use. Later, the royal couple gave the automobile to the royal garage and used it throughout their lives for significant family events. Meghan Markle arrived at the wedding with Prince Harry at St. George’s Cathedral in Windsor Castle on this Rolls-Royce Phantom IV. This automobile is considered to be very rare since only 18 Phantom IVs were produced by Rolls-Royce, intended exclusively for royals and heads of state.
Bentley State Limousine
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Elizabeth II’s reign, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders presented the Queen with a Bentley State Limousine. Naturally, the vehicle was equipped with special protective features, such as special armor plates, bulletproof glass, and a pressurized interior that could withstand a gas attack. The Queen liked the gift so much that she ordered another automobile, and in 2009 both of these vehicles were converted to biofuel. By the way, Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arrived in a Bentley State Limousine at Harry and Megan’s wedding.
Daimler Super V8 LWB
Queen Elizabeth II also possessed this luxury sedan, which appeared in the royal garage in 2001. For three years, Elizabeth II used this particular vehicle. It was specially equipped for the safety of the royal family. In addition, the automobile had a special holder for the queen’s favorite handbag.
Personal cars
Her Majesty the Queen had always been a patriot, preferring mainly brands from British automakers. Although she drove many spectacular automobiles (for example, Jaguar, Vauxhall, or Volkswagen), her absolute favorite was Land Rover. During her entire reign, the Queen purchased more than 30 automobiles (including replacements) of this brand.
Land Rover Defender
The Defender became a symbol of Great Britain as the Queen herself. The Queen had been spotted driving this particular car on numerous occasions, most often on her way to the Balmoral estate or in Windsor Park. The most famous SUV model she had at her disposal was a 2002 model.
Jaguar X-Type Estate
The Queen of Great Britain was seen very often driving a Jaguar. Once she was driving to Sunday service through Windsor Park and decided to drive around the couple with a child on the lawn so as not to interfere with the young family. The photo of this incident was widely spread in the press.
Aston Martin DB6
Although the Aston Martin DB6 was a production car, it still had a place in Her Majesty’s garage. The car accompanied Prince William and Kate Middleton during their wedding ceremony.
Ford Zephyr
There was also an American car in the royal garage: In the 50s, on the Sandringham estate, the queen and her husband could often be seen driving a 1956 Ford Zephyr. It was a utility vehicle, a stock Ford sedan that had been converted into a spacious high-roof station wagon that could seat nine people!
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