In an extraordinary blend of British royalty and American presidential glamour, a dark sapphire 2016 Range Rover that once ferried Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to greet then-U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama has been put up for sale. The vehicle, which boasts a mere 29,299 kilometers (around 18,204 miles) on the odometer, was part of the royal fleet for two years and saw sporadic use, adding to its exclusive provenance and appeal.
The Range Rover’s moment in the spotlight came during the Obamas’ state visit in April 2016. The royal couple used it to welcome the American President and his wife, who arrived by helicopter in the vicinity of Windsor Castle, and then together, they proceeded to the castle for lunch. In an unusual break from protocol, Prince Philip, then 94, personally drove the vehicle, eschewing the armored Cadillac limousine typically transported overseas for the President’s use.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II’S RANGE ROVER WITH EXCLUSIVE ROYAL ENHANCEMENTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE.
— Emerald Chronicles (@emeraldnewscast) February 1, 2024
~Acquiring a new Ferrari is within reach for many, but possessing the Queen's car is a distinction," remarked salesman Jack Morgan-Jones in an interview with Sky News. The Range Rover played a… pic.twitter.com/hxjPGG4YmU
After serving the royal household, the SUV returned to the dealership network, changing owners twice but remained lightly used, as evidenced by its current mileage. It has now found its way to Bramley Motor Cars, a dealership specializing in used luxury vehicles, ready to find its next custodian.
This Range Rover retains several modifications made for the Queen, including a retractable step for easier access. Remarkably, it is being sold with the same license plate number, OU16XVH, it bore during its royal service. The asking price exceeds that of even the most well-equipped new Range Rovers of the current generation, reflecting its unique history and royal connection.
“Some people think it’s going to be the same price as the standard Range Rover. Obviously, this is not the case,” Mr. Jack Morgan-Jones of Bramley Motor Cars told Sky News. “The last time this car was sold by us, the Queen was still alive. This will be the first time it will be sold where she is no longer around anymore, so there is a premium to pay for it,” he added, highlighting the vehicle’s increased collectability and significance.
Morgan-Jones further noted, “Anyone can go and buy a new Ferrari, but not everyone can go and buy the Queen’s car.” This sentiment underscores the unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of history, linking British royalty to an iconic American presidency.