In a unique moment of celebration on August 18, a specialized collection of 10 Defender and Range Rover models used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will create a once-in-a-lifetime display as part of the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®.
The display will showcase vehicles that have been used by the Royal family, either in an official capacity or as part of the household fleet. The vehicles on display will include those from the Royal Household private collection, Land Rover Classic, The British Motor Museum and private collections.
10 historic models will attend the event, including two of the earliest Royal vehicles: the first Land Rover Series I State Review vehicle and a Land Rover Series I owned by the Royal family. A modern twist on the traditional British garden party will take place at an exclusive hospitality area adjacent to the vehicle display.
We take pride in our long-standing royal connections, which go back to the very beginning of our business. Sharing this unique collection of vehicles with passionate enthusiasts at a globally renowned event such as Pebble Beach® demonstrates our appreciation for this unique relationship, which extends to this day.
LENNARD HOORNIK
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, JLR
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her life to service and was the first female member of the royal family to volunteer for military duty when she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service in February 1945. Her specialty was driving and servicing military and rescue vehicles. It is said that this time sparked her love of driving and the mechanical aspects of vehicles, which lasted a lifetime.
Welcoming these historic vehicles to the Pebble Beach Concours show field gives us the opportunity to celebrate the Land Rovers and Range Rovers that played a significant role in the life of one of the world’s most admired women, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
SANDRA BUTTON
CHAIRMAN OF THE PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D ’ELEGANCE
1954 Land Rover Series I State Review vehicle
The very first State Review Land Rover vehicle featured a custom-designed rear platform and accompanied HM Queen Elizabeth II and HM The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on a six-month tour of the Commonwealth. This particular vehicle was sent to Australia for that leg of the tour and is now under the care of a private collector in the United States.
1954 Land Rover Series I (NXN1)
Originally ordered by HM King George VI, it was used by HM Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members of the Royal Family at Balmoral. Land Rover apprentices restored it in 2010, and it now resides in the Land Rover Classic collection.
1958 Land Rover Series II State Review vehicle
The second official ceremonial review Land Rover vehicle featured blue side light lenses, which were switched on whenever a member of the Royal family was being carried. This example was a reserve vehicle, which explains its low mileage of approximately 13,000 miles. It forms part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.
1966 Land Rover Series IIa Station Wagon (JYV1D)
Driven by HM Queen Elizabeth II, this was the first Station Wagon of its kind to be fitted with a six-cylinder engine. It also features a host of special features, including leather seats, a wooden dog guard, and side steps, to help it fulfil its Royal duties. It now forms part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.
1974 Range Rover State Review vehicle
The first Range Rover vehicle to take the role of ceremonial State Review vehicle entered service in 1975 and was used until 2002. Its specially modified rear included foldaway seats and a lectern containing concealed umbrellas. An additional exhaust silencer ensured noise from the V8 engine was kept to a minimum for its Royal passengers. It now forms part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.
1990 Range Rover State Review vehicle
The third State Review Range Rover vehicle featured in the image chosen by HM Queen Elizabeth II for her 1994 Christmas card, where she and HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, were pictured attending the 50th Anniversary of D-Day Landings in Arromanches. This vehicle is part of the British Motor Museum collection.
1983 Defender 110 V8 (A444RYV)
A personal vehicle used by HM Queen Elizabeth II at the Sandringham estate. This vehicle is part of the private Royal collection and, having been commissioned by HM The Queen, is part of the active Royal fleet.
2009 Range Rover (CK58 NPJ)
There are numerous pictures of HM Queen Elizabeth II behind the wheel of this Range Rover vehicle, as it was her favoured vehicle after it joined the fleet. The famous labrador mascot that adorned the bonnet has been removed for safekeeping.
* Pebble Beach® and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® are trademarks and service marks of Pebble Beach Company. Used by permission.
