The British Royal Family has long been synonymous with opulence, grandeur, and an affinity for the finer things in life. Among their many indulgences, the royals have amassed an impressive collection of luxury automobiles that are as much a part of their legacy as their palaces and crown jewels. This article delves into the stories behind the magnificent machines in the Royal Family’s car collection and the royals who own them.
From classic vintage models to cutting-edge electric vehicles, the Royal Family’s car collection is a testament to their affinity for automobiles. Each vehicle tells a unique story, reflecting the personality and preferences of its royal owner.
10 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II LWB – Princess Margaret
Princess Margaret’s $29,000 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II LWB epitomizes luxury and sophistication. With its extended wheelbase, sumptuous interior, and iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, this classic Rolls-Royce was a fitting choice for the glamorous princess since she bought it back in 1980. The Royal Family cherishes the Silver Wraith II LWB as a symbol of timeless elegance in their collection.
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9 Jaguar XJ-SC – Princess Diana
The late Princess Diana’s Jaguar XJ-SC is a poignant reminder of her enduring legacy. This elegant convertible, with its 5.3-liter V12 engine and luxurious interior, was a favorite of the beloved princess, and she used it between 1987 and 1991. The Royal Family treasures the XJ-SC as a symbol of Diana’s grace and charm in their collection. It is currently valued at around $43,500 as per Car and Driver.
8 Jaguar I-Pace – Prince Charles
Embracing the future of sustainable transportation, Prince Charles added the $72,000 all-electric Jaguar I-Pace to his collection in 2018. With a range of 234 miles and a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, the I-Pace combines eco-friendly performance with the luxury and refinement expected of a royal vehicle. Prince Charles stations his I-pace in London, and it serves as one of his main modes of transportation.
7 Audi RS6 – Prince Harry
Known for his adventurous spirit, Prince Harry’s choice of a Daytona Grey Audi RS6 reflects his love for speed and performance. This high-performance wagon boasts a 4.0-liter V8 engine, producing 552 horsepower and a 0-60 time of just 3.9 seconds. The RS6 is a perfect blend of practicality and power, making it an ideal choice for the thrill-seeking prince. Unfortunately, after driving the RS6 for 4,400 miles, Prince Harry sold it for an impressive $90,000.
6 Audi RS E-Tron GT – Prince William
As a forward-thinking member of the Royal Family, Prince William’s choice of the $140,000 Audi RS E-Tron GT reflects his commitment to sustainability and innovation. This all-electric sports sedan boasts a range of 232 miles, a 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds, and a top speed of 155 mph owing to its 637 BHP motor, proving that eco-friendly vehicles can still deliver thrilling performance.
5 Range Rover Hybrid LWB – Queen Elizabeth II
The late Queen Elizabeth II was no stranger to the allure of a Range Rover, having owned several throughout her reign. Her current choice, the $164,000 Range Rover Hybrid LWB, was a testament to her commitment to environmental sustainability. In 2015, the Queen acquired this luxurious SUV, built by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division and painted in a shade of claret like her other cars. The LWB was further extensively customized to fit the Queen’s requirements. Under the hood, it boasts a 3.0-liter V6 engine, an electric motor, and a combined output of 398 horsepower, offering power and efficiency.
4 Bentley Flying Spur – Prince Andrew
Prince Andrew cashed out a whopping $180,000 for an exquisite Bentley Flying Spur in 2015. The Flying Spur is a fitting choice for the prince, combining performance and luxury in a sleek, modern package. With a 6.0-liter W12 engine producing 616 horsepower, the Flying Spur offers an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining the refinement and comfort expected of a Bentley. After driving the Flying Spur for more than 11,500 miles, Prince Andrew sold it in 2018 for around $110,000.
3 Aston Martin DB6 Volante – Prince Charles
A gift from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on his 21st birthday, Prince Charles’ Aston Martin DB6 Volante is a true classic. With a top speed of 150 MPH and a 0-60 time of just 6.5 seconds, this British sports car is as elegant as it is powerful. According to Hot Cars, Prince Charles converted the V8 Vantage to run on bioethanol fuel made from surplus British wine as a nod to his environmental advocacy. An average DB6 is currently valued at a whopping $361,921.
2 Lagonda 3.0 Liter Drophead Coupe – Prince Philip
A true classic, the Lagonda 3.0 Litre was a favorite of the late Prince Philip. This elegant convertible, produced by Aston Martin, features a 3.0-liter straight-six engine and a top speed of 110 MPH. This particular car has a lot of significance in the history of the royal family and London. Prince Philip’s Lagonda was the first car to earn Aston Martin Lagonda a royal warrant. It was painted in Edinburgh Green and had a radio telephone that the Duke used to make prank calls to his children, King Charles and Princess Anne. The car also had an extra-large vanity mirror for Queen Elizabeth II to check her hat. In 1959, the car officially opened Britain’s first motorway, the M1. It even made an appearance at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. In 2016, the Lagonda sold for a whopping $437,738, three times the value of a regular 3-liter Drophead, as reported by GQ.
1 Bentley State Limousine – Queen Elizabeth II
The crown jewel of the Royal family and custom-built for Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, as per The Sun, the Bentley State Limousine is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. With its unique design, armor-plated body, and advanced security features such as blast resistance and Kevlar-reinforced tires, this Bentley is the ultimate symbol of royal prestige and security. The State Limousine is reserved for the most important occasions, transporting the Queen in unparalleled style and luxury. With only 2 units of this Bentley ever built, its current value is a staggering $12.5 million, making it the most expensive car in the Royal Family’s collection.
In conclusion, the Royal Family’s car collection is a fascinating blend of classic elegance, modern luxury, and cutting-edge innovation. As automotive technology continues to evolve, we can expect the Royal Family’s collection to grow and adapt, remaining a captivating reflection of its enduring legacy.
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Sources – Car and Driver, The Sun, GQ, Hot Cars
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