Rolls, Bentley and Daimler Limousines Make Royal Entrance
On a bright sunny May day, the world witnesses the royal wedding of Britain’s Prince Harry to the American actress Meghan Markle. While classic car enthusiasts may be watching, our classic car radar is immediately peaked when the bridal party starts arriving. In the shadow of St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, a string of vintage Rolls Royce, Bentley and Daimler limousines arrive. Everyone else is focusing on what the bride is wearing and we have our eyes glued to these classic beauties. If you watched the royal wedding, which luxury limousine is your favorite? Post your answer in the comments. We have ours and we’d love to know yours.
Only 16 Still Exist – The Rolls Royce Phantom IV
The bride, Meghan Markle, arrives looking radiant in a vintage 1950 Rolls Royce Phantom IV limousine. This beautiful coach, painted in the sovereign’s colors of royal claret and black, is one of 18 built between 1950-1956. It is the first Rolls Royce owned by the Queen and her husband, Prince Philip. The British carmaker replaces Daimler in 1950 becoming the primary transportation for the British royal family and visiting dignitaries. Only 16 of the luxury behemoths exist today. They are so exclusive, only heads of state could order them. Generalissimo Francisco Franco likes them so much he orders three. They are all still in use as state limousines for the Spanish Government and royal family.
The Queen’s 2002 Bentley State Limousine
The Queen and Prince Philip arrive for the event in her classic 2002 Bentley State Limousine. A gift for her Golden Jubilee, this massive car weighs 8,818 lbs., is 79-inches wide, 70-inches tall and 249-inches in length (even longer than the 2011 Mulsanne sedan). All the body panels and glass are bullet-proof. In the event of a gas attack, the cabin seals airtight to protect the Queen and the Kevlar-reinforced tires are blast-resistant. It is not your average limo. Only two exist in the world and both are parked at the Royal Mews in London.
The Royal Daimler Limousines
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, along with six little bridesmaids and four pageboys arrive in the automotive splendor of three vintage Daimler DS 420s. Daimler is known as Britain’s oldest car manufacturer. Possessing a royal commission from 1902 to 1950, Daimler can proudly boast how they provide every British monarch from Edward VII to Elizabeth II with one of their limousines. The three classic Daimler limos transporting the wedding party are some of the last to be built in 1998.
Queen’s Royal Car Collection Worth £10 Million
Ninety-one-year-old Queen Elizabeth becomes a car enthusiast during her days as a military driver during WWII. The royal collection is estimated to be worth close to £10 million Most are official state vehicles for the royal family to use when attending events. It is not all state limos for the Queen. She has her stable of automobiles housed at the royal residence at Sandringham. Her favorite is a 2002 Land Rover Defender that she frequently drives across her estate. During her lifetime she has owned about 30 of them.
The Royal Limousines Get High Marks
The luxury Rolls Royce, Bentley and Daimler limousines at the Royal Wedding get high marks for style from classic collectors. It is not every day her Majesty’s classic garage empties out for the world to see. When someone asks you what you think of the event, you can truthfully say it was the most magnificent royal spectacle you have ever seen. (You don’t have to tell them you are referring to the classic cars.) Cheerio, classic peeps.
Collector and Classic Car Insurance for Less
What a fabulous day for a Royal Wedding! Warm weather is here, allowing all of us to roll our collector cars out of hibernation. If you are taking your collection on the road soon, review your insurance. Do you have the right kind of coverage? Let Classic Auto Insurance customize a policy to fit your needs. We offer affordable, Agreed Value coverage for a variety of collector, classic and custom vehicles. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and give you a quote on the spot. Visit our website at www.classicins.com or call 888-901-1338 and see how we can help safeguard your dream collection.
