Here is a glimpse at the many vehicles the Queen Majesty owned throughout her 96-year lifetime.
A day after Queen Elizabeth II had passed, the world mourns and fondly remembers the great, longest reigning monarch with fondness. Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year long reign was defined by her uncle, King Edward VIII's shocking abdication, paving the way for her father, King George VI to be king.
Queen Elizabeth II became queen upon his passing at the age of 25. For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth would lead with grace and strength that she exuded well in her younger years. In fact, the young queen was only 13 years old when World War II broke out, sparking in her a sense of patriotism. When she was 19, she was finally allowed to join the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), where she underwent a six week long training as an auto mechanic, Grunge reported.
Queen Elizabeth II's love for automobiles was visible throughout the years of her reign. Aside from her many accomplishments and contributions to the Commonwealth, the queen was also known for her collection of cars. The Drive reported that Queen Elizabeth II had a preference for British off-roaders, including the Austin K2/Y and Land Rover Defenders. Here's a closer look at some of the wheels she has driven in her 96 year lifetime.
Queen Elizabeth II's Collection of Cars
1. Bentley Bentayga
Queen Elizabeth II had long been fond of Bentleys even before 2015, when the company presented her with the luxury 4X4. The queen was known to be chauffeured around in a Bentley State Limousine that was reportedly the second most expensive car in the world with its $11 million price tag, Slashgear reported. Meanwhile, the very first Bentayga unit, which was gifted to the queen, was presented as one of the most powerful and fastest SUVs in the world at the time of its release.
2. Land Rovers
Queen Elizabeth owned several Land Rovers in different variations and is believed to own up to 30 of them throughout her 70-year reign. The late queen had a Series I and the popular Defender. But her favorite was a 2002 Defender 110, which was powered by a TD5 diesel engine and featured a raised suspension and heated seats.
3. Range Rover
Her Majesty liked her cars big and powerful, which is why it comes as no surprise that she loved the Range Rover as well. According to The Sunday Times Driving, the queen owned a Range Rover LWB Landaulet with an open top that would be used during parades and a newer model that was seen during her travels in Ireland earlier this year.
4. Rolls-Royce Phantom VI
Back in 1978, the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI was presented to Queen Elizabeth II for her Silver Jubilee by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It was sighted during the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton. This British luxury car is the last Rolls-Royce to be produced with a separate chassis and featured a 6.75-litre V8 and paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox.
5. Vauxhall Cresta Estate
Last but certainly not the least is Queen Elizabeth II's Vauxhall Cresta Estate, which proved that she liked a regular trusty car just like normal folks. Vauxhall Motors is a British car company that was founded back in 1857 and is now headquartered in Chalton, England. It is also now a subsidiary of Stellantis.
