The Bentley State Limousines stand as gleaming testaments to automotive grandeur, specifically commissioned as a gift to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, marking her Golden Jubilee. Two of these magnificent vehicles were meticulously crafted, serving the Queen faithfully until her passing in 2022. Their regal duties have since transitioned to King Charles III, with The Princess Royal notably utilizing one while escorting the Queen's coffin. Both limousines are now impeccably maintained within the hallowed grounds of the Royal Mews.
Description
Under the hood, these aren't your average Bentleys. The twin-turbocharged, 6.75-litre V8 engines, derived from the Bentley Arnage R, have been subtly re-engineered. They now churn out a formidable 400 brake horsepower (298 kW; 406 PS) and an impressive 616 lb⋅ft (835 N⋅m) of torque. While powerful, their top speed is capped at a stately 130 mph (209 km/h). A peculiar detail, often overlooked, is the monarch's personal mascot, a creation by the artist Edward Seago depicting Saint George slaying the dragon. This emblem is thoughtfully swapped out depending on the car's specific engagement, a small but significant touch of personalization.
Visually, the State Limousines are imposing. They stretch an additional 83.0 cm (2 ft 8.7 in) compared to a standard Bentley Arnage, stand 25.5 cm (10.0 in) taller, and are 6.8 cm (2.7 in) wider. The rear doors, a generous coach door design, swing open nearly 90 degrees, offering a truly grand entrance. For those requiring absolute discretion, opaque panels can be fitted over the rear windows, providing enhanced privacy. Conversely, these can be removed to offer occupants a clearer view of their surroundings. The safety of the occupants is paramount; the bodywork and glass are armoured, the cabin is hermetically sealed against potential gas attacks, and the vehicle boasts blast resistance. Even the tires are reinforced with Kevlar for added security.
The interior, while not detailed here, is undoubtedly appointed with the finest materials befitting its status. The vehicles are equipped with discreet flashing blue lights, a subtle nod to their official capacity. When seen on official duties, the bonnet mascot might be the Scottish lion, especially when in Scotland, or the aforementioned Saint George emblem. The Royal Standard and the shield for Scotland have also been observed adorning the vehicle during royal visits, such as the one to Perth in 2012.
These Bentleys are primarily deployed for official engagements, always accompanied by a phalanx of marked and unmarked Royal Protection Squad vehicles, local police, and motorcycle outriders, forming a formidable motorcade. This procession typically includes a support vehicle for staff and aides. This role was previously filled by a silver VW Transporter minibus, which was replaced in 2019 by a black Mercedes V-Class. Both vehicles, in their respective eras, shared the distinctive registration plate "1 KUV."
The Queen also favored these limousines for her visits to Sandringham House and for travel to and from Crathie Kirk when staying at Balmoral. Although she occasionally used them for foreign travel, she generally opted for other state cars or vehicles provided by her hosts.
In keeping with the tradition of British state vehicles, the Bentleys feature roof-mounted provisions for an illuminated coat of arms and a flag, operated from within the cabin. Typically, these display the royal coat of arms and the Royal Standard, though variations can occur for state visits.
As previously mentioned, when the Queen was aboard, the iconic Bentley "Flying B" bonnet mascot was exchanged for either her personal English mascot or, in Scotland, the heraldic lion. The vehicles are fitted with flashing blue lights – two embedded in the radiator grille and two on the front bumper. A curious detail is that these State Limousines neither possess nor require traditional vehicle registration plates. Their livery is claret and black, a consistent choice for all British state vehicles.
A significant environmental consideration was announced in January 2009: both Bentley State Limousines were slated for conversion to run on biofuel. The vehicle's grandeur was further showcased at the 2013 Coronation Festival held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. The estimated value of these two bespoke limousines is a staggering £10 million each.
Production
The luxurious lambswool sateen cloth gracing the upholstery of the rear seats was meticulously produced by the British textile manufacturer Hield Brothers. The distinctive bodywork was the masterful creation of Bentley's renowned Mulliner coachbuilding division. The exclusivity of these vehicles cannot be overstated; only two were ever built, making them even rarer than the celebrated Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, of which a mere 18 were produced for royalty and heads of state.