Cars partially or fully reflect what buyers value most. In the case of Elizabeth II, it could be said that the vehicles chosen by the Queen were the mirror of the British monarchy itself: they had to be robust to withstand everything; they had to be durable to stand the test of time flawlessly and of course they had to be English! Hence, when it came time to get behind the wheel, the monarch who died yesterday, at the age of 96, preferred to get behind the wheel of her Land Rover Defender, a pure and simple jeep and, therefore, easier to associate with the image of “bearded men” than that of a monarch, especially at an age that would not favor adventurous forays from the start. But not the queen that the British and the rest of the world are now saying goodbye to.
Elizabeth II always showed a “taste” for models who didn’t complain when they were off the road, a preference that became apparent even before her reign began. Suffice it to recall that, when she was still a princess, her “service car” was none other than an Austin K2/Y, the Austin-engined, Mann Egerton-bodied military ambulance that the United Kingdom manufactured between 1939 and 1945. , having served primarily during World War II. Elizabeth II, by then still far from sitting on the throne, was trained to drive this heavy vehicle, capable of carrying four stretchers and 10 seated wounded, although there were reports that 27 victims were transported in a single ambulance. And let’s be honest, after feeling comfortable driving this heavy of more than 3 tons and about 5.5 meters long, switching to a Defender 110 would be an easy mission to fulfill -and with great pleasure- by Elizabeth II.
It is equally curious that the only woman who could drive on the roads of the kingdom without being authorized to do so had decided, at the age of 18, to train in mechanics. In her own way, Elizabeth II made the simple act of changing spark plugs or changing tires a noble task.
From ambulance driver to reign of 70 years. Elizabeth II was as often “stuck” behind the wheel as she was sitting in the back seat. The queen loved to drive. These are some of these “machines”
From the carriage to the garage
June 2, 1953. On the day of her coronation, Elizabeth II followed the tradition that she would henceforth have to uphold as Queen: she traveled in the royal carriage, the animal-drawn vehicle that has been in use since the 18th century.
Between tradition and modernization, Isabel II always managed to have very personalized vehicles in her garage in her image and likeness. Her favorite is said to be a 2002 Defender 110 TD5, and her actual home is near Jaguar Land Rover. So much so that, in 2014, the Queen was the “star” at the inauguration of this group’s engine factory in Wolverhampton.
But Elizabeth II’s passion and car collection was not limited to Land Rovers. At this point, her Majesty had something in common with James Bond: they both like English cars (and look good in that role). Remember when Elizabeth II played herself alongside Daniel Craig?
The fleet at the Queen’s disposal naturally included models from British luxury manufacturers, from Rolls-Royce to Bentley, not to mention Aston Martin. But less ostentatious models, badged as Vauxhall or Rover, were also reserved in the garage. And any vehicle that had been in the service of Her Majesty was valued. She only recalls that in 2018, one of the limousines designed by Rolls-Royce for the royal household sold for more than £800,000. Because? Because only 18 of the Rolls-Royce Phantom IV State Landaulettes were produced and this particular one was built by Hooper & Co. Powered by a 5.7 liter inline eight engine, this Rolls has served the Queen for no less than 43 years. Take a look at other models that were part of the monarch’s history above.
Source: Observadora
