Any chance we could get an advance on our pay check?
The Queen may have driven and fixed up trucks back in her World War 2 days, however she lives a slightly different lifestyle now filled with carriages and cars to ferry her from place to place. It turns out that one of her favourite Rolls-Royces is about to go up for auction after serving her and Prince Philip well for over four decades and it could be yours for a casual £2 million.
The rare car is named the 1950s Rolls-Royce Phantom IV State Landaulette and is one of just eighteen models made by the prestigious car brand, making it a highly sought-after automobile by car and royalist enthusiasts alike. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip usually take it out for a spin on their swankiest of occasions, which includes her public appearances during the Jubilee celebrations.
According to auction house Bonhams, it’s estimated to go for between £1-2 million come the big day on September 8. The car is identical to the one used at a recent little do you might have seen in the news: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. More specifically, it was the ride that transported Meghan Markle and her mother Doria Ragland from their hotel to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Palace.
The Telegraph is also reporting that it's apparently very similar to one that Princess Margaret favoured, only that car had a built-in bar. (There’s a reason why Margaret’s one of our favourites.)
The Queen’s Rolls isn’t the only royal automobile going under the hammer this September, as it turns out that a number of Rolls-Royces from the monarchy’s fleet will be available. For example, a 1960s Rolls-Royce Phantom V ‘High Roof’ State Limousine - used on occasion by the Queen and Duke - will also be up for grabs at an estimated price of £1-1.5 million.
Another car used by Princess Diana called the Rolls-Royce ‘Centenary’ Silver Spur will also be available, going for a marginally more affordable £80-100,000.
Malcolm Barber, the co-chairman of Bonhams, said, ‘This is a remarkable collection of cars, and one that beautifully illustrates the history of one of the most celebrated and prestigious companies in the world. Rolls-Royces have been present at countless historic events in recent British history, and the heritage fleet encapsulates the most significant models produced by the marque.’
If you’ve got a bit of money to burn, the Goodwood Revival auction held on behalf of Bentley will take place on September 8 where several rare Rolls-Royces will be available. Better queue up Princess Diaries and start practicing your royal wave for your next road trip...
