Queen Elizabeth II's enhanced Range Rover is available for sale.
Iconic Auctioneers
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The late Queen Elizabeth II had a strong passion for cars, often opting to drive herself rather than relying on her chauffeur. Even in her later years, she was frequently spotted driving around the Scottish Highlands in a simple manual Defender with her corgis. However, the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover in Tonga Green over Oxford Sand that is set to be auctioned is a different story and will certainly appeal to any admirer of the British royal family.
The vehicle, designated by the plate number BJ06 ZGM (in the U.K., license plates stay with the vehicle indefinitely), was supplied by Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations specifically for Her Majesty's exclusive use in April 2006. Like all vehicles meant for royal use, it includes various modifications for security, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. A notable feature is the dog hood ornament, symbolizing the royal dog guard; this emblem consists of a silver Labrador with a pheasant in its mouth and was only installed on the Queen’s personal vehicles.
Iconic Auctioneers
Another distinctive modification is the upgraded electrical system and other electronics, primarily for security and communication purposes. Typically, vehicles used by heads of state or dignitaries have specialized components installed by intelligence agencies to reduce security threats such as hacking. Additional enhancements include grab-handles to assist the Queen in entering and exiting the SUV, side steps, mud flaps, and a customized cargo space for her corgis.
Perhaps the most significant aspect is the engine under the hood. According to the listing from Iconic Auctioneers, this may be the only L322 with a supercharged V8 that has ever been owned by the Crown. The Jaguar-derived 4.2-liter supercharged V8 is paired with a six-speed ZF automatic transmission and produced 400 horsepower when it was new. Interestingly, BJ06 ZGM’s successor, CK58 NPJ, was introduced in 2008 and kept the grille and exterior styling of the supercharged model, but was powered by a 3.6-liter turbodiesel V8. After the Queen's passing, CK58 NPJ was displayed at various events, including the Pebble Beach Concours, where I had the opportunity to observe all the scratches from the corgis in the back.
Tim Graham
Iconic Auctioneers
After being retired from royal service, BJ06 ZGM transitioned to private ownership and is currently up for auction with 120,000 miles on the odometer. According to the listing, the vehicle comes with its service history and the original blue leather wallet containing receipts and manuals.
The Iconic Sale at the Silverstone Festival is scheduled for August 23, and you can view the complete catalog here.
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Queen Elizabeth II's enhanced Range Rover is available for sale.
This 2006 Range, which was personally driven by the Queen of England, is the sole example known to feature a supercharged V8 engine with 400 horsepower.