A unique convoy of royal cars from JLR made a memorial lap of the Goodwood Motor Circuit in honor of Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her death.
In a unique moment of remembrance, a fleet of nine historic Defender and Range Rover models drove around the famous Goodwood circuit on Friday, September 8, as part of the annual Goodwood Revival, including the Duke of March, Charles Gordon-Lennox, 11th Duke of Richmond.
The commemorative drive was attended by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) vehicles from the Royal Fleet, private collections and JLR Classic, which are used by the Royal Family either in an official capacity or privately.
A total of eleven historic models took part in the event, with two of the earliest royal vehicles on display throughout - the first Series I State Review vehicle and a Series I commissioned by King George VI.
It was the first time this unique collection had been brought together and Lennard Hoornik, Chief Commercial Officer, JLR, said: "We are proud of our royal connections, which go back to the origins of the company, and wanted to pay fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on the anniversary of her death. We have never assembled such an extensive collection of royal vehicles and the memorial parade was a fitting moment of remembrance."
The DNA of the early Land Rover ranges that started JLR's strong royal associations is still very much present in today's Land Rover brands, from the rugged Defender to the luxurious Range Rover and the versatile Discovery.
Vehicles in the commemorative parade:
Prototype (HAC 379)
One of the original pre-production prototypes from 1948, of which only 48 were built. It bears the chassis number L31 and was used alongside its sister vehicle R32 for testing, development and promotional purposes. In this role, it was pictured with King George VI. It is now owned by a private collector.
Series II State Review vehicle
The second official ceremonial Land Rover was fitted with blue side lights, which were switched on whenever a member of the royal family was being conveyed. This example was a reserve vehicle, which explains its low mileage of around 13,000 miles. It is part of the royal collection at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon.
Series IIa Station Wagon (OGU 362D)
This car was driven by Queen Elizabeth II and was the first station wagon of its kind to be fitted with a six-cylinder engine. It also had a number of special features such as leather seats, a wooden protective grille and side running boards to enable it to perform its royal duties. It is now part of the royal collection at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon.
1974 Range Rover State Review vehicle
The first Range Rover to take on the role of ceremonial State Review was introduced in 1975 and remained in service until 2002. Its specially modified rear included folding seats and a lectern with concealed umbrellas. An additional exhaust silencer ensured that the noise from the V8 engine was kept to a minimum for the royal passengers. It is now part of the royal collection at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon.
Defender 130 'Jumbo'
This long-wheelbase Defender 130 with three doors on each side is nicknamed the Jumbo. It was converted for the royal family to enable trips around the Sandringham estate, where it is still in use. It took part in the Goodwood Revival parade after receiving permission from King Charles III.
1990 Range Rover State Review vehicle
The third Range Rover State Review vehicle featured in the picture chosen by Queen Elizabeth II for her 1994 Christmas card depicting her and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, to mark the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings at Arromanches. This vehicle is part of the British Motor Museum's collection.
Defender 110 V8
A personal vehicle used by Queen Elizabeth II on her estate at Sandringham. This vehicle is part of the private royal collection and, having been commissioned by His Majesty the King, is part of the active royal fleet.
2009 Range Rover (CK58 NPJ)
There are numerous pictures of Queen Elizabeth II at the wheel of this Range Rover, as it was her favorite vehicle after it joined the fleet. The famous Labrador mascot that adorned the hood was removed for safety reasons.
2015 Range Rover State Review vehicle
The current Range Rover State Review vehicle dates back to 2015, is based on a long wheelbase model and features a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain that allows it to run on all-electric power on state occasions. It was designed and engineered by JLR's Special Vehicle Operations division.
