The Queen's old Range Rover is in the classifieds
There are special Range Rovers, then there are Special Vehicle Operations Land Rovers
Go on, admit it - you’ve probably hankered after a Range Rover at some point. We’ve all done it, and maybe felt a bit guilty doing so, but there’s no denying the facts. New or old, large or ginormous, expensive to buy or expensive to run (or both), there’s a Range out there to be tempted by. Their talents can be made to fit your requirements, one way or another, and to heck with the complications.
Right now, as it has been for a while in fact, the L322 is the old Range Rover folk get most excited about. Old enough to be affordable (in terms of purchasing, at least) while also new enough to look contemporary, a car that went out of production in 2012 appears like the best of all Range Rover worlds. It’s always been stylish (and remains so) in a way that the P38 could never achieve, while just stopping short of the L405’s slightly chintzier look. With a good range of engines as well, it’s easy to see the appeal. Nor would it be a surprise to see prices climb for the best ones, if they aren’t already.
None are going to rise to the asking price of this L322, however. Because this 2007 TDV8 Vogue SE was once the property of Queen Elizabeth II. And nobody needs reminding of the mystique that surrounds former royal cars, surely. If you do, consider that this Range Rover is for sale at the same price as a brand new L460. And remember that Diana’s Escort RS Turbo sold for £650,000.
Specced by Her Majesty from the factory, it’s a very smart Range Rover. Tonga Green over a sandy interior (with the green piping) works a treat, particularly on modest wheels with the clear glass. It was delivered new by Land Rover Special Vehicles (there’s a contract number and everything), with early servicing done at Gaydon. OLH is believed to be the only diesel L322 Elizabeth owned, with the rest being petrol. This was the time of Renaultsport diesels and 335ds, remember, diesel really in its pomp. And the TDV8 tends to be the preferred engine these days.
Furthermore, rather than just being a static showpiece, the Range was put into service. By the time of its first MOT in 2010, 28,000 miles had been driven, though it’s not clear exactly how many of those were driven by the sovereign. She most certainly did, though, with pics in the ad of the Queen behind the wheel. Exactly the sort of history that gets collectors all excited; this would be the memorabilia featured right at the end of Antiques Roadshow.
This Range has continued to rack up the miles since its time in the royal household. Which means that, to be frank, it is a 19-year-old L322 with 120,000 miles on it - i.e. the very opposite of a lightly used museum piece to preserve for posterity. On the other hand, that means it’s a little bit of regal history that can be used and enjoyed (if the price isn’t off-putting). This one even has new turbos, four fresh Pirellis, new brakes and a big service all done recently. So even if it isn’t cruising around Sandringham, this Range is ready to roll. Best get practicing your royal wave…
SPECIFICATION | RANGE ROVER TDV8 VOGUE SE
Engine: 3,628cc, twin-turbo V8 diesel
Transmission: 6-speed auto, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 272@4,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 464@2,000rpm
MPG: 25
CO2: 299g/km
Year registered: 2007
Recorded mileage: 127,201
Price new: £55,100 (HSE)
Yours for: £110,000
https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/2006-land-rover-...
Edit: Last November. And in the intervening 9-months they've not bothered to take any decent photographs of it to justify it's new price tag. Having 90% of it under an old bed-sheet doesn't smack as classy like they think it does.
Oh that AND they've basically copied the iconic auction listing word for word: https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/2007-land-rover-...
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