Remembering the great Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty's love of British cars was no secret - here are some little-known secrets about her favourite cars throughout her incredible 70-year reign.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth loved her cars - and had great taste in them too. Let's take a look at some of her favourites, and remember a truly incredible woman the best way we know how...
What cars did Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth drive?
Although the Queen used many different vehicles throughout her 70-year reign, one car in particular might be the most recognisable of modern times. Queen Elizabeth's 2002 Bentley State Limousine is a British classic fit for a Queen.
It features a stately burgundy colour pallet and was reportedly the second-most expensive new car in the world at the time of its delivery. Worth an eye-watering £10 million, it is claimed both Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh had significant input in designing the car.
Unlike regular Bentleys this special model is armoured and even features protection from biological weapons.
Princess Anne was pictured travelling in the late Queen's beloved Bentley limousine accompanying the funeral cortege, making its way from Balmoral to Edinburgh ahead of Queen Elizabeth's funeral.
The Queen’s fleet included several other Bentleys, including Bentaygas. Rolls-Royce Phantom-based limousines also carried the late Queen many times, including during her Silver Jubilee celebrations.
Could the Queen fix her own cars?
Yes. Although you’d have been very unlikely to find Queen Elizabeth fixing a flat tyre at the side of the road, she was actually a trained mechanic.
During World War II, the then Princess Elizabeth learned to repair and drive trucks as a teenager in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. Elizabeth also learned how to change a wheel and deconstruct and rebuild engines. She remains the only female member of the Royal family to have served in the British Army.
What was Queen Elizabeth’s favourite car?
Queen Elizabeth II loved driving British-built cars and owned dozens of Land Rovers and Range Rovers in her lifetime.
Her favourite was said to be the 2002 Defender 110, which featured a TD5 diesel engine with raised suspension and heated seats.
Her beloved late husband, Prince Philip, famously had a Land Rover modified to create the hearse for his funeral in April 2021.
Did the Queen have a driving licence?
Queen Elizabeth loved being behind the wheel herself, and did just that particularly during trips to Balmoral.
Queen Elizabeth didn’t legally have to hold a driving licence, as part of the “royal prerogative” (powers and rights exclusive to Britain’s monarch). She was pictured happily behind the wheel into her 90s.
Queen Elizabeth's funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19th September 2022. The XLCR offices will be closed on Monday 19th September to pay our respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her funeral.
