The Queen’s unique Jaguar Daimler, which she used between 2001 and 2004, has been put up for sale by a private collector.
The long wheelbase, V8-powered saloon was delivered to the Queen in June 2001 with 2000 testing miles on the odometer. It covered just 12,000 miles travelling back and forth between Buckingham Palace and the Queen’s Windsor estate.
See pics of the Queen's Jaguar Daimler
Jaguar modified the car to meet the Queen’s specific requests: a redesigned armrest to fit her handbag, a direct line to Downing Street and the Home Office (sold disconnected), lambskin rugs and soft leather seats with special stitching all featured.
All of the car’s original paperwork is also included, as are photographs of the Queen being driven in it.
Peter Ratcliffe, the collector who bought the car from Jaguar, told The Independent: "It's a truly unique vehicle. There is nothing else out there, or ever going to be out there, that you can buy and say this was the personal car of the Queen of England, specially built for her.
"She was very clear about her requirements. She had an extra switch installed on each of the rear doors to control the windows on the opposite side. Apparently she doesn't like to have the wind blowing directly into her face.
"When she was accompanied by a royal protection officer in the passenger seat she was worried that she would have nowhere to put her handbag. Jaguar took the normal armrest and added a sliding tray so she could place her handbag on top and push back the tray to hold it in place while the car was moving.
"It is a beautiful car and she was fond of using it to get around Windsor or into London. She likes driving. I even saw her in the car herself once driving along the M25 with her escort."
The car has been in storage at Jaguar since the Queen owned it; Ratcliffe hasn’t revealed an asking price.
Twitter - follow autocar.co.ukSee all the latest Jaguar reviews, news and video
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: Queen's Jaguar Daimler for sale
Would this car be bullet proof?
Re: Queen's Jaguar Daimler for sale
It is clearly written that this was her PERSONAL car. Not her state or official car. But even if it were not, cars are given to the queen so that she can be seen in them. It's huge publicity for the company.
Re: Queen's Jaguar Daimler for sale
I don't have an issue with the monarchy and I'm not a republican. I just think it would be interesting to know: if the car was supplied to the Queen from public sources then why was it only used for such a short time. If it was a personal gift to the Queen then I guess when it was sold the proceeds went back to the state. If, of course, she purchased it herself then it would be entirely up to her what she did with it. Just curious, that's all.