Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was known for her lifelong love of horses, having ridden from age three until her passing at 96. She also had a deep appreciation for cars, particularly Land Rovers. Her interest in driving and mechanics was sparked during the Second World War, when she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she drove and maintained military and rescue vehicles.
Spectators at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ will have the exclusive opportunity to view five of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s vehicles as they make their final North American tour stop in Kentucky, April 23-27. The collection features Land Rover, Defender, and Range Rover models used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the members of the Royal Family, either in an official capacity or as part of the household fleet. The Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II will be available for viewing in the Sponsor Village to all ticket purchasers.
The collection includes the following:
1954 Land Rover Series I State Review Vehicle
This vehicle was the very first State Review Land Rover that featured a custom designed rear platform. It was this vehicle that HM Queen Elizabeth II and HM The Price Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, brought with them on a six-month tour of the Commonweath. It currently is under the care of a private collector in the United States.
1954 Land Rover Series I (NXN 1)
Originally ordered by HM King George VI, the Land Rover was frequently used by HM Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members of the Royal Family at Balmoral. It was restored by Land Rover apprentices in 2010, and now currently resides in the Land Rover Classic collection.
1990 Range Rover State Review Vehicle
This vehicle was the second State Review Range Rover ever created and was featured in the 1994 Christmas card of HM Queen Elizabeth II, where she and HRH Price Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, are pictured attending the 50th anniversary of D-Day landings in Arromanches. The vehicle is currently a part of the British Motor Museum collection.
1983 Defender 110 V8
A personal vehicle commissioned and used by HM Queen Elizabeth II, it was used on Crown estates Sandringham and Balmoral and was ideal for rural transport and Royal pursuits. The car is fitted with special equipment, leather seats, and a special radio system and is finished in dark green paint to Queen Elizabeth II’s choice. With grab handles and footsteps, it is suitable for shooting and fishing trips. This vehicle is part of the British Motor Museum collection.
2005 Range Rover L322 State Review
This is the fifth State I Royal Review vehicle provided by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations.
Like all state vehicles, this one is painted in the royal color claret and boasts hand-painted crests on the doors and tailgate. It features the royal crown topped by a golden-crowned lion, which is part of the royal Coat of Arms. The crown is surrounded by a garter bearing the motto “Honi soit qui mal y pense” ("shame on him who thinks evil”). This symbolizes the Order of the Garter, an ancient order of knighthood.
The specially adapted rear platform from which the royal party can look out has the same black leather upholstery as inside the driver’s cabin. The tailgate folds down to reveal a set of stairs so the royal party can easily access the platform. This vehicle was famously used to transport the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry during Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday parade in 2016. This vehicle is part of the British Motor Museum collection.
Don’t miss the action! Watch the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ CCI5*-L presented by MARS Equestrian ™ and Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S livestream on the USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV.