With preparations for the coronation of King Charles III in full swing next month, classic car collectors have the chance to get their hands on a very special vehicle during the reign of his month, the late Queen Elizabeth II, some 46 years past.
The engine is a 1968 Land Rover Series IIA 109 4X4, which was converted into a ‘Ceremonial Vehicle’ and used by Her Late Majesty and HRH Pricing Philip on their Silver Jubilee tour of Northern Ireland in 1977.
It’s set to go under the hammer later this month with a target price of £60,000 to £90,000.
Royal ride: This 1968 Land Rover Series IIA 109 4×4 goes under the hammer later this month and is expected to fetch between £60,000 and £90,000. It was used in 1977 by Her Late Majesty and HRH Pricing Philip on their Silver Jubilee tour
The late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip pictured in the converted Land Rover Series II during their visit to Ulster in Northern Ireland in 1977 as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations
Marking the 25th anniversary of the late Her Majesty’s succession to the throne, the three-month summer tour of Britain was one of the celebratory events of the year.
It saw the royal coupé visit a total of 36 counties, culminating in a historic two-day visit to Hillsborough and Coleraine in Northern Ireland.
The 1968 Series IIA Land Rover was originally commissioned by the Ministry of Defence.
It was sent to Central Workshops REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) for special bodywork to perform royal duties.
It is equipped with a 2.25-litre petrol engine and is based on the long-wheelbase version of the classic Land Rover, with a raised rear seat platform and no roof.
The most notable change is the wraparound visor-style glass panel, which provided shelter and protection for Her Late Majesty.
The ceremonial Land Rover will be presented to the highest bidder at the Bonhams Goodwood Members’ Meeting Sale at the West Sussex Motor Circuit on Sunday 16 April
The 1968 Series IIA Land Rover was originally commissioned by the Ministry of Defence
Central Workshops REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) completed the special bodywork to be able to carry out royal tasks. This included removing the roof and adding the visor-style wraparound glass
A pair of gated rear doors with retractable ladder steps allowed easy access to the royal passengers
Double doors with gates at the rear allowed easy access via a series of retractable steps that were lowered for regal access.
Once on the raised platform, the bench-style seating group provided extra comfort during official duties.
Bespoke interior features included a ‘traffic light’ system of buttons that allowed the Queen to quietly and covertly communicate with the driver whether to stop, start or slow down to wave to the audience.
Using the rear control panel, pressing one of the three buttons would relay its request to the driver through a similar panel behind the steering wheel.
Among the many bespoke interior features is the bench style seating arrangement and a ‘traffic light’ system of buttons, seen here on the left
The three-button panel allowed the Queen to communicate quietly with the driver whether to stop, start or slow down to wave to the audience
The rear panel was linked to this behind the wheel so that the driver could respond to Her Majesty’s request
The Land Rover remained in the possession of the Ministry of Defense until 1983 when it was made available at public auction
Registered on the military registration number ’00 FG 28′, the vehicle remained with the Ministry of Defense until being auctioned at Ruddington in April 1983.
The winning bidder kept the Land Rover in a private collection until September 2017 when it was bought by the current seller – the Matson Martin family, where it became a focal point in their collection at Baddow Park Estate, Chelmsford.
In this property it made a few trips to the Goodwood Revival where it was used by the family to transport guests between the Goodwood Hotel and the track.
Fitted with a 2.25-litre petrol engine rather than a smoky diesel, it is based on the long-wheelbase version of the classic Land Rover Series II
While there were a few luxuries in the back, the driver’s compartment is relatively standard
The vehicle has been kept in converted condition, serviced annually and has undergone a semi-annual inspection since 2017 during the ownership of the seller.
The vehicle will appeal not only to classic car collectors but also to Royal enthusiasts when it appears in 10 days at the Bonhams Goodwood Members’ Meeting Sale at the West Sussex motor circuit
Maintenance is carried out annually, with inspections carried out every six months in accordance with the rest of the collection’s vehicles.
The Land Rover is offered with its V5C and a Royal Standard.
Tim Schofield, Head of Unit, Bonhams Collector Cars UK said: ‘With the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III fast approaching, we are delighted to be presenting this historic vehicle at Goodwood, which played an important part in celebrating the Silver Jubilee of his mother. .
“Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh both had longstanding connections with the Land Rover brand and this is an evocative piece of royal memorabilia.”
The ceremonial Land Rover will be offered to the highest bidder on Sunday 16 April at the Bonhams Goodwood Members’ Meeting Sale at the West Sussex motor circuit.
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