Jaguar Land Rover commemorates Queen Elizabeth II’s 1st death anniversary with special convoy

MANILA: In honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s first death anniversary, Jaguar Land Rover staged a unique parade of Royal Land Rovers at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in England on Friday.

Nine Defender and Range Rover units joined the convoy, which is part of this year’s Goodwood Revival.

The Land Rover vehicles featured at the parade were used by the royal family either officially or privately.

“We are proud of our royal associations, which stretch back to the very origins of the business, and wanted to honor HM Queen Elizabeth II with a fitting tribute on the anniversary of her passing. We have never gathered such an extensive collection of royal vehicles in this way and the commemorative parade was a fitting moment of remembrance,” Jaguar Land Rover Chief Commercial Officer Lennard Hoornik stated.

Here are the Land Rover vehicles that were part of the commemorative parade:

Prototype (HAC 379)

Only 48 units of this 1948 pre-production prototype were produced. It has the chassis number L31 and was used for development and publicity operations. It is now under the hands of a private collector.

Series II State Review vehicle

This Land Rover is equipped with blue side light lenses that were turned on when a royal family was inside. This unit was just a reserve vehicle. It is now part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum.

Series IIa Station Wagon (OGU 362D)

This was driven by Queen Elizabeth II. This was the first station wagon of its kind to be powered by a six-cylinder engine. Other notable features include leather seats, a  dog guard, and side steps. It is also a part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum.

1974 Range Rover State Review vehicle

Used from 1975 to 2002, this is the first Range Rover to become a State Review vehicle. It comes with foldaway rear seats, a lectern with concealed umbrellas, and an additional exhaust silencer. It is also a part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum.

Defender 130 “Jumbo”

This long-wheelbase Defender 130 was modified for the royal family’s outings at Sandringham Estate. Its participation in the parade was approved by King Charles III.

1990 Range Rover State Review vehicle

This unit was featured in Queen Elizabeth II’s 1994 Christmas card. The photo on the card was taken at the 50th anniversary of D-Day Landings. The vehicle is also now a part of the British Motor Museum Collection.

Defender 110 V8

This is Queen Elizabeth II’s personal vehicle, which she used at the Sandringham Estate. It is still part of the active royal fleet.

2009 Range Rover (CK58 NPJ)

This was regarded as Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite vehicle as she was seen driving it several times. Its bonnet used to be embellished with the labrador mascot, however, it was removed for safekeeping.

2015 Range Rover State Review vehicle

This is the current Range Rover State Review vehicle, powered by diesel electric hybrid propulsion. It can operate on purely electric power during state occasions. It was developed by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations.

Aside from these nine vehicles, the first Series I State Review vehicle and a Series I ordered by King George VI were also displayed at the event.

Photos from Goodwood

Also read:

Royal family’s 1953 Land Rover will be up for auction

BMW releases special in-vehicle animation for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

McLaren ‘Platinum Jubilee’ hue honors Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year reign