The Queen’s Most Unique Vehicles…She Didn’t Need a License To Drive Them!

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As the world continues to mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we celebrate many aspects of her life including her love of driving and cars.

She learned to drive during World War II and joined the female division of the British Auxiliary Territorial Service, during which she also learned how to service vehicles. Rumour has it that she loved to drive her Land Rover Defender at full speed around her private estates. She never took a driving test (wasn’t required to), was the only person in the UK who could drive without a license (they were issued under her name) and is allowed to drive without a number plate on her state car.

Besides crowns, tiaras, jewels and other rare heirlooms, she also owned a most impressive car collection. Here are some of the most unique ones she ever had in her collection:

1. The 1955 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV State Landaulette

This is known as one of the most exclusive Rolls-Royce cars post-war and was used for over four decades by Her Majesty between 1959 until 2002. The automaker installed higher windows to allow the public a clearer view of the royal passengers. In the year 2018, this vehicle was auctioned off for US$920,880.

2. The world’s first SUV Bentley Bentayga

When the luxury SUV was announced by Bentley, the company confirmed that they had reserved the first Bentayga for Her Majesty and would be made according to custom specifications. The SUV is equipped with a twin turbo 6.0-litre W12 engine that can generate 600hp and 664lb-ft of torque, making it a tough yet luxurious vehicle befitting the Queen’s hunting activities. Compared to her trust Land Rover Defender, the Bentayga is more powerful, more opulent and more exclusive.

3. The Daimler Empress MkII

This was one of the first vehicles that Queen Elizabeth owned and it remained in her collection for some years. This elegant four-door saloon suited its royal passengers and apparently had a foldable walnut table and throne-like seats. Only 33 of its kind were ever made.

4. 1961 Vauxhall Cresta PA Friary Estate

Whilst the Queen loved her Bentleys and Jaguars, around the sixties, members of the public were surprised to see her behind the wheel of a Vauxhall. The vehicle was fitted to accommodate her outdoor pastimes, including a dog guard for her corgis, a gun rack for pheasant hunting and a fishing rod holder attached to the roof.

RIP, Your Majesty. We will continue to be inspired by your many passions.