The Queen used to drive ‘James Bond’ style cars with secret buttons & a direct hotline to Downing Street
THE Queen is a big fan of cars and has owned a formidable collection during her reign, including Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and Daimlers.
The monarch, 94, has yet to hang up her car keys, after she was spotted behind the wheel of her Range Rover earlier this year.
The Queen is also the only member of the royal family who can change a tyre, after joining the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service as a mechanic during the Second World War.
Over the years she owned a fleet of cars estimated to be worth £10 million, which she’s had modified.
Her majesty’s cars feature bespoke interiors of lambswool upholstery and custom green leather, raised suspension and doors which are hinged at the back - allowing her to stand up straight before stepping out.
But the most unique customisations were in her green Jaguar Daimler V8 Super LWB, which website described as having “enough gadgetry to make James Bond blush.”
The car was delivered to Buckingham Palace in 2001, and it served as the Queen’s personal ride for the next three years.
While it may have looked like an ordinary Jaguar on the outside, the monarch requested a series of changes be made, some of which related to national security, and others which concerned her handbag.
Carkeys.co.uk said: “The car features a range of unique modifications at the Queen’s request, which includes an armrest with a sliding holder designed to hold her specific type of handbag.”
Meanwhile the dashboard featured a “secret button” disguised as a cigarette lighter, which would activate hidden neon lights.
The website explained this was to “allow secret service to identify her and also to offer extra visibility in the event of a smoke attack”.
And in the boot was a radio which allowed the Queen to directly contact both the Home Office and Downing Street if she needed to.
And in the interests of comfort, the car was also upholstered in the lambswool she favoured, and bespoke vents were installed.
Carkeys.co.uk explained: “The reigning monarch also mentioned to Daimler that she liked fresh air when driving but she didn’t like it directly on her face, so engineers fitted unique switches to allow her to funnel air to the sides.”
The impressive Jaguar was eventually sold at auction in 2013, for £40,500.
Among the other impressive cars the Queen has owned are three Rolls-Royces, three Daimlers and two Bentleys in the state fleet, as well as a number of Volkswagens.
From the state fleet, the twin Bentleys were modified so each was a metre longer than standard cars, and it was these cars which featured the reverse hinges on the rear doors.
Her Land Rover Defender featured raised suspension, making it easier for her to drive.
Meanwhile her Range Rover LWB Landaulet had an open-top installed, allowing her to wave to the public.
The instantly recognisable car was painted maroon, and has the royal flag mounted on the bonnet.
The Queen was also the first owner of the Bentley Bentayga, as well as owning a few vintage models.
Most read in Fabulous
And we revealed the Queen owns her own tartan design and other Royals have to ask her permission to wear it.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Plus the Queen holds six Guinness World Records – including one for being the world’s oldest reigning monarch.
Plus we recently shared the Queen’s favourite pancake recipe - and it’s surprisingly easy.