Luxury cars

State Limousine

It was the first time that the Queen travelled in the great "B" – now part of the Volkswagen group – previously her motoring preference was always for its cousin the Rolls Royce. The first RR, two Phantom IV, arrived at Buckingham Palace in 1950, followed by a further 4 models, two Phantom V and two Phantom VI in subsequent years; the last arrival was in 1987.

The Bentley State Limousine differs from previous royal cars in that it is unique and not simply a modified production vehicle. Design Director Dirk van Braeckel and Head of Styling Crispin Marshfield started work in February 2000 in order to present the design proposals to the Palace the following May. From then, the workers in Crewe knuckled down to the job of keeping the wellbeing of the Queen – with a minimum amount of change requested – their focus.

The most generous space imaginable for the rear seats were provided for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Large side glazings were installed to maximise visibility and allow the cheering crowds the best view of the Royal wave.

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