Queen’s favourite British cars revealed including 30 Land Rovers – and there’s one that may surprise you
THE Queen’s favourite British cars have been revealed, including 30 Land Rovers – and one surprising motor.
Her Majesty enjoyed Land Rover’s including the Series I at the start of her reign and the Series III in 1978.
She also bought two Rolls-Royce Phantom V State Limousine’s in 1960 and 1961, which were used until the turn of the millennium.
And she was given a Bentley state Limousine in 2002 to celebrate her Golden Jubilee and got a stylish Bentley Bentayga in 2017.
But our longest-reigning monarch also found a surprising taste for Vauxhall, getting the motor firm’s Cresta PC in 1967.
The Queen is the only person in Britain who drives without needing a licence but she nevertheless has had vast driving experience since her work as a mechanic and driver in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Sevice during World War Two.
1953: Land Rover Series I
This was one of Her Majesty’s first cars. It was shipped around the world with six other vehicles for the Queen and Prince Philip’s six-month Commonwealth tour in 1953.
Daimler Empress MkII
Complete with fold-down walnut tables and throne-like seats, the Daimler was one of her first cars after becoming Queen. Damlier was long-established as a royal favourite by the 1950s.
1954: Lagonda 3-litre Drophead Coupé
After the Coronation, Prince Philip upgraded to an open-roof Lagonda, which is one of only 20 MkI examples fitted with an electric hood.
The 104mph car was used by the royal couple to officially open the M1 motorway in 1959.
1955: Rolls-Royce Phantom IV State Landaulette
This was the company’s first eight-cylinder production model, the 5.7-litre straight-eight was retained at the Royal Mews from 1959 until 2002.
Only 18 examples were made. As well as a roof-mounting point for the Royal Standard, a Perspex panel above the rear let extra light into the cabin.
1956: Ford Zephyr Estate
As her young family grew, the Queen got this car which had a huge load area as well as a raised roofline for extra comfort.
The popular Zephyr was restyled in 1956, with wood trim and lashings of chrome, costing £871 new.
Its six-cylinder engine could reach more than 80mph while the royal version could carry nine people.
1960: Rolls-Royce Phantom V State Limousine
Owners of this quintessential British limousine include the Shah of Iran, Elvis Presley and John Lennon.
The Queen bought two in 1960 and 1961 and were used until the new millennium. One is now on display at the Transport Museum on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
1961: Vauxhall Cresta PA Friary Estate
Modifications in this Vauxhall motor included a dog guard for the corgis, a gun rack for pheasant shoots and a fishing rod holder built into the roof.
The Imperial Green PA was powered by a 2,262cc engine and was her first association with the brand.
1963: Rover 3-litre saloon & 1971 Rover 3.5-litre P5B
While the Queen could be driven around the capital, she also liked to drive herself in a Rover.
Her Majesty’s 1971 P5B is at the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon, Warwickshire.
1967: Vauxhall Cresta PC
This was more advanced than the PA. It was described at the time as a “good, honest, safe car”.
1978: Land Rover Series III
This car connected the Queen’s open-top passenger compartment at the rear to the chauffeur using a traffic-light system. It alerted the driver when to slow or stop.
It was sold in 2012 having covered fewer than 2,000 miles.
1984: Daimler Double Six LWB
The Queen got this delivered in October 1984 as a personal car. It was painted in a bespoke hue called Gavin Green and trimmed with a unique doe-skin interior.
It has a top speed of 135mph and was extensively tested for several thousand miles before being delivered to Buckingham Palace.
Modifications include an armrest with a sliding holder, designed to carry Her Majesty’s style of handbag.
2002: Bentley State Limousine
Bentley gave the Queen two official state cars for her Golden Jubilee. They have armoured glass and body panels and tyres cut from tough Kevlar. The cabin can be sealed off to withstand a gas attack.
Land Rover Defender 110
This motor is believed to be one of Her Majesty’s favourite cars. It was designed for shooting parties with a long-wheelbase 110 with a 4.2 litre V8 engine.
It was auctioned in 2014 for £30,240. Shotgun cartridges and a shooting map were found in the glovebox.
2009: Jaguar X-Type Sovereign Estate
This top-of-the-range car had parking sensors, heated seats and a dog guard.
It was mainly used to drive around Windsor and covered only 7,600 miles. It was sold in 2016 for £15,000.
2015: Range Rover LWB Hybrid
This premium SUV is a favourite among the Royal Family and their security.
It has a raised platform to allow The Queen to be seen more clearly. It is also a more environmentally-friendly model.
2017: Bentley Bentayga
Her Majesty was the first person to take delivery of this luxury SUV. At the time, it was the fastest SUV in the world.