Among the favourite cars of the British Royal Family are those used and even driven by Queen Elizabeth II, true technical jewels of perfect elegance.   

Although the Queen is the only person in the UK who is not legally required to hold a driving licence, she acquired the mechanical knowledge and driving skills at the age of 18 when she joined the Army and drove a military ambulance. Newspapers at the time gave her the nickname “Princess Auto Mechanic”.

This driving enjoyment remained undimmed by the passing years, so that even in her old age she was often seen behind the wheel of her personal Range Rover when transporting visiting dignitaries around the Balmoral Marshes.

Rolls-Royce Phantom IV State Landaulet (1955) 

The royal family has owned dozens of Rolls-Royce Phantom IVs and Vs, but this model is distinguished by a 5.7-litre inline eight-cylinder engine and body by Hooper & Co. Only 18 examples were produced by Rolls-Royce, and sales were limited to heads of state. The Queen’s car was painted red and black with dark blue and grey cloth upholstery. It remained in service for 43 years before being returned to Rolls-Royce in 2002 and is similar to the car Meghan Markle drove to her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.

Vauxhall Cresta PA Friary Estate (1961) 

Rumour has it that this was Elizabeth II’s favourite car. She commissioned it in 1961 to suit her outdoor lifestyle, with custom modifications including fishing rod holders built into the roof, a corgi dog divider and gun rack and custom Imperial Green paint. It still sits today in the Royal Garage at Sandringham.

Bentley State Limousine (2002)

Rolls-Royce was the royal family’s preferred mode of transport for formal occasions in the 20th century, but in the 21st century the Spirit Of Ecstasy has been usurped by Bentley. This unique state limousine is based on the Arnage model and was gifted to the Queen by the Crewe manufacturer in 2002 to mark the 50th anniversary of her accession to the throne. It is powered by a modified 6.75-litre V8 with 400bhp. The raised roof, raised rear seats and panoramic glass ensure that those who want a good view of Her Majesty as she passes by. When the Sovereign is on board – and this is sure to continue during Charles III’s reign – the ‘Flying B’ ornament on the bonnet is replaced with a sterling silver carving of St George slaying the dragon. Safety, of course, is paramount, and we don’t just mean the airbags: it’s armoured and blast-proof and runs on Kevlar-reinforced tyres, yet still manages a top speed of 130mph. This car is reportedly valued at £10 million.

It is remarkable to recall that before her passing, the Queen was consulted on the plans for the hearse to carry her coffin and approved the final design. The car is based on the 2010 Jaguar XJ saloon and was built so that the public could have a “clear view” of the coffin from inside the vehicle.

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