Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler V8 for sale

Travel like a royal

This Daimler V8 LWB belonged to Queen Elizabeth II from 2001-’06 – and now it’s for sale.

The British Racing Green Daimler features a raft of royal upgrades.

It’s going under the virtual hammer with no reserve on Bonhams|Cars Online, where it’s expected to fetch up to £60,000 when bidding ends on 29 April 2024.

Let’s take a look at what made this 2001 long-wheelbase Daimler V8 fit for a queen.

Fine taste

It’s no secret that the late British monarch, who died on 8 September 2022, was a keen motorist.

During her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II drove Rovers, Vauxhalls and much more.

Based on the X308-generation Jaguar XJ, this Daimler V8 joined the royal fleet in 2001.

Put through its paces

The car was completed in March 2001, but it wasn’t registered until three months later.

To ensure this special Daimler V8 was in good health, Jaguar engineers tested the car for 2500 miles before it was allowed to participate in royal duties.

Enjoying the quiet life

Today this classic car’s odometer reads just 16,200 miles.

Reportedly, it’s covered just 1400 miles since it retired from the royal fleet in the mid-2000s.

Next steps

In 2007, Queen Elizabeth II’s former car went to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.

This modified Daimler V8 stayed in its collection until 2013, when it was sold to a private owner.

Undercover royal

From the outside, there’s little to distinguish this royal saloon from a standard Daimler V8 LWB.

Specified in dashing British Racing Green with chrome details, it’s certainly a stylish way to waft about.

A red pinstripe runs down each side of the car, adding an extra layer of discreet elegance.

Top secret

Open the boot and you’ll find a spare wheel, plus there is a metal plate that’s apparently the remains of a special telephone system.

The technology has been removed, so the next owner won’t be able to prank call other heads of state.

Under the bonnet

Despite its size, this long-wheelbase Daimler is no slouch.

The 4-litre V8 engine makes around 290bhp, which is good for 0-60mph in 7 secs and a 150mph top speed.

It has a five-speed automatic gearbox for maximum waftability.

Stylish saloon

This car’s online auction includes plenty of paperwork that details the Daimler V8’s history.

There are also photographs of Queen Elizabeth II in the car, plus an invitation to the Cartier Style et Luxe concours at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Peak inside

Inside, there are plush, beige-coloured leather seats and thick, lambswool carpets.

The seats’ green piping matches the leather-topped dashboard.

Gadgets galore

If you pop open the panel behind the gearlever, you’ll find a secret set of buttons that replace the standard car’s ashtray.

These control the security lights.

Flashing headlamps and tail-lights helped security services track the car.

Important duties

In the rear, there is a sliding armrest that transformed into a perch for Queen Elizabeth II’s handbag.

Meanwhile, fold-out trays on the back of the seats were perfect for lunch on the go – or for signing very important documents.

Who you gonna call?

Hidden under the armrest is a Motorola phone that’s very of its time.

If it works, the next owner could use it to ring their local MoT test centre, because this Daimler V8 currently has a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).

Feeling fancy?

There are a couple of small dings on the bodywork and a bit of the red pinstripe is missing.

Other than that, Queen Elizabeth II’s former Daimler V8 is apparently in great condition.

If you want to travel like royalty, then check out the listing on Bonhams|Cars Online by clicking here.

The auction ends at 7:30pm (BST) on 29 April 2024.