For sale: 2001 Daimler Super V8 LWB, previously owned by The Queen
“One careful lady owner”, “low recorded mileage”, “optional extras” and “full service history” take on a different meaning all together when the lady is The Queen of England; the mileage was accrued from trips between Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace and the optional extras include bespoke modifications like a set of blue flashing strobes.
The sale of this unique vehicle is set to take place Saturday 31st August through classic car auction specialists Historics at Brooklands.
The Daimler limousine with its British Racing Green livery, was for three years the personal transport of Her Majesty The Queen.
Before its delivery, it was carefully scrutinised and underwent rigorous testing over 4,000km to ensure that it would meet with Royal approval. It went on to cover a further 18,000km before it was returned in 2004 to The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust with whom it is still registered today. It is offered by Historics with precisely the same specification as it was then, including its original tyres, and with a mileage of 24,530km.
At The Queen's request, the Daimler features a number of bespoke modifications. One such is a factory-adapted centre armrest that features a sliding holder specifically designed for Her Majesty’s handbag, allegedly a consequence of having nowhere to put it when driving in the company of the Lady-in-Waiting or security personnel.
The vehicle’s ashtray also has a less prosaic function, having been crafted to house the security lighting controls, which remain fully functioning. This includes a set of blue flashing strobes occupying the front fog lamp inserts, alternate flashing headlamps and alternate flashing rear lights.
A further feature is a pair of neon blue lights by the rear view mirror, which were used to identify the vehicle in which the Queen was travelling when approaching her destination.
In the vehicle’s capacious boot, the fittings can still be found for direct contact to the British Government Home Office and Downing Street, although the working components have now been removed.
Aside from these bespoke changes, this regal Daimler, powered by a 4-litre supercharged V8 developing 375bhp, is equipped with every conceivable luxury extra, and features an opulent soft hide interior with deep lambswool floor rugs. The exterior and interior condition can only be described as stunning.
As one would expect, the car has a full service history by R. A. Creamer of Kensington and Guy Salmon of Ascot, and is sold with all original documentation, two sets of keys, the original registration number, along with photographs of Her Majesty driving and being driven in it.
And with a Heritage Certificate from Jaguar and a letter from Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust attesting to its Royal connection, this Daimler Super V8 LWB represents a rare opportunity to purchase a unique, important and highly useable motorcar with indisputable provenance.
Vigorous bidding is anticipated, with the estimate at £25,000-£30,000.
