The Queen’s Daimler has been slated for auction later this month and is expected to fetch more than £45,000.
The 2001 prestige Daimler Majestic 4.0-litre long wheelbase was driven by the Queen and Prince Philip for six years before it was retired from service in 2007.
It has clocked just 15,400 miles, mostly between Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle and to attend polo matches in Windsor Great Park.
The royal couple were photographed driving and being chauffeured in the 149mph Daimler, registered Y694 CDU, on a number of occasions.
Daimler’s bespoke extras include a royal handbag holder
The Daimler’s bespoke extras include a cutomised handbag holder built into the armrest between the front seats.
Every British monarch has been chauffeured in, or has driven, Daimlers since 1902 when King Edward VII granted the Royal Warrant.
The Daimler left the factory in Coventry on March 14, 2001, but was not registered until June that year. The delay was caused by a 2,500-mile “debugging” programme to ensure the Majestic “never failed to proceed”.
The Queen’s Daimler finished in patriotic British Racing Green
The Daimler is finished in British Racing Green with catkin leather upholstery and a red coachline.
Controls for a full set of security lights are hidden in a compartment that would normally house the front ashtray.
The alternately flashing front/rear fog lights and front-mounted strobe lights are similar to those on an unmarked police car.
A letter from Jaguar Heritage confirms the car was used by HM The Queen for “private motoring until returned to Jaguar for preservation by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, with little more than 14,000 miles on the clock”.
When it was returned Her Majesty took delivery of a new Daimler.
The car is being auctioned by H&H Classics at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, on Wednesday, July 26.
The Queen’s Daimler “not entirely stripped of its royal extras”
Damian Jones, head of sales, said: “When Royal cars come to auction they usually command a premium price. As this car has not been entirely stripped of its royal extras it will doubtless do well.”
If the Queen’s Daimler is a little out of your price range there are two marvellous Morris motor cars coming to auction which will catch the eye.
There’s a 1930 Morris Minor OHC Coachbuilt Saloon (top) valued at £10,000-£12,000 and a 1926 Morris “Bullnose” Tourer valued at £13,000- £15,000 (bottom).
Whichever classic car takes your fancy, specialist insurance broker Adrian Flux will have the perfect policy to cover your new pride and joy.