- Unique parade of Royal Land Rovers took to the track at Goodwood Revival to pay tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her death
- Each model in the convoy has close links to the Royal Family, carrying out official duties in public or behind the scenes on the Royal estates
- Nine vehicles completed a commemorative lap of the circuit, while a pair of early Series models were on display throughout the event
- JLR enjoys a long and ongoing association with the Royal Family and proudly displays the Royal Warrant in recognition of its status as an official supplier
Gaydon, UK, 8 September 2023: A unique convoy of Royal JLR vehicles completed a lap of Goodwood Motor Circuit in tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her death.
In a unique moment of remembrance on Friday 8 September, a fleet of nine historic Defender and Range Rover models, navigated the famous track as part of the annual Goodwood Revival.
The commemorative drive featured JLR vehicles used by the Royal family in either an official capacity or privately as part of the household fleet. It included vehicles from the Royal fleet, JLR Classic and private collections.
In total, 11 historic models attended the event, with two of the earliest Royal vehicles – the first Series I State Review vehicle and a Series I ordered by HM King George VI – on display throughout. It was the first time this unique collection had ever been gathered.
We are proud of our Royal associations, which stretch back to the very origins of the business, and wanted to honour 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.
Lennard Hoornik
Chief Commercial Officer, JLR
The DNA of the original Series Land Rovers that began JLR’s strong Royal associations is still very much in evidence in today’s Land Rover brands, from the durable Defender, refined Range Rover and versatile Discovery.
Static display vehicles at Goodwood Revival:
Series I State Review vehicle
The very first State Review Land Rover featured a custom-designed rear platform and accompanied HM Queen Elizabeth II and HM The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on a six-month tour of the Commonwealth. It forms part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon.
Series I (LXC 894D)
Originally ordered by HM King George VI, it was used by HM Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members of the Royal Family at Balmoral. It was restored in 2010 by Land Rover apprentices and now resides in the Land Rover Classic collection.
Commemorative parade vehicles:
Prototype (HAC 379)
One of the original 1948 pre-production prototypes, of which only 48 were made. It wears the chassis number L31 and was used for test, development and publicity operations alongside its sister vehicle, R32, in which role it was pictured with HM King George VI. It now belongs to a private collector.
Series II State Review vehicle
The second official ceremonial review Land Rover featured blue side light lenses, which were switched on whenever a member of the Royal family was being carried. This example was a reserve vehicle, which explains its low mileage of approximately 13,000 miles. It forms part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.
Series IIa Station Wagon (OGU 362D)
Driven by HM Queen Elizabeth II, this was the first Station Wagon of its kind to be fitted with a six-cylinder engine. It also features a host of special features including leather seats, a wooden dog guard and side steps, to help it fulfil its Royal duties. It now forms part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.
1974 Range Rover State Review vehicle
The first Range Rover to take the role of ceremonial State Review vehicle entered service in 1975 and was used until 2002. Its specially modified rear included foldaway seats and a lectern containing concealed umbrellas. An additional exhaust silencer ensured noise from the V8 engine was kept to a minimum for its Royal passengers. It now forms part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.
Defender 130 ‘Jumbo’
With three doors on each side, this long wheelbase Defender 130 is nicknamed Jumbo and was modified for the Royal Family to support outings at the Sandringham Estate, where it is still a working vehicle. It took its place in the Goodwood Revival parade after obtaining approval from HM King Charles III.
1990 Range Rover State Review vehicle
The third State Review Range Rover featured in the image chosen by HM Queen Elizabeth II for her 1994 Christmas card, where she and HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, were pictured attending the 50th Anniversary of D-Day Landings in Arromanches. This vehicle is part of the British Motor Museum collection.
Defender 110 V8
A personal vehicle used by HM Queen Elizabeth II at the Sandringham estate. This vehicle is part of the private Royal collection and, having been commissioned by HM The King, is part of the active Royal fleet.
2009 Range Rover (CK58 NPJ)
There are numerous pictures of HM Queen Elizabeth II behind the wheel of this Range Rover, as it was her favoured vehicle after it joined the fleet. The famous labrador mascot that adorned the bonnet has been removed for safekeeping.
2015 Range Rover State Review vehicle
The current Range Rover State Review vehicle dates from 2015, is based on a long wheelbase model and features diesel electric hybrid propulsion – enabling it to run on purely electric power during state occasions. It was designed and engineered by JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations division.