Queen Elizabeth II, whose automotive credentials were as impeccable as her royal pedigree, owned numerous Land Rovers during her lifetime and now one of them, a 2006 Range Rover 4.2 Supercharged Vogue SE (L322) in Tonga Green, will be sold at an auction of classic cars at the Silverstone Festival in England on August 23 by Iconic Auctioneers.
The Queen earned her gearhead chops during World War II when she volunteered for the ambulance corps and learned to fix trucks. Throughout her reign she commissioned numerous vehicles, including many one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royces, which were used for State and Royal Family functions. She even helped design her own hearse (a Jaguar in Royal Claret) that carried her coffin after her death. (Prince Philip also designed the hearse for his own funeral, a modified Land Rover.)
During her frequent official visits to the far reaches of the Empire, she often brought her own vehicles, including custom-designed Land Rovers from which she and Prince Philip would wave to welcoming crowds. Last year, Land Rover assembled a collection of her automobiles for an exhibition in New York City’s Rockefeller Center.
The Queen loved to drive and there are numerous photographs of her smiling behind the wheel of the L322, which, according to Iconic Auctioneers, helps confirm the provenance of the vehicle. “As with all vehicles of this nature, it is almost impossible to clarify early ownership with various authorities but pleasingly the car has been photographed extensively while in service. Notably Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II can be seen in attendance and departing the vehicle at the 2007 Royal Windsor Horse Show, verifying the provenance to be both genuine and distinguished.”
The listing describes the vehicle’s custom features, including “Royal Household colours of Tonga Green over Sand Oxford leather, combined with extended Burr Walnut trim and clear glass.” It also describes familiar Royal duty features. “In preparation for Royal duties, the car benefits from subtle yet significant modifications…including additions such as side steps, mud flaps, a load-space mat, rear grab handles to assist with entry and exit and the infamous dog guard.”
The estimated cost of the Range Rover is £50,000 to £70,000.
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