The late Queen Elizabeth II always had a love for cars, which can most likely be traced back to World War II when she was a member of the Women's Auxiliary Service and also became involved as a mechanic.

From these early beginnings her love for cars, and in particular the classics started to grow. Being the Queen, she was allowed to drive without a license, which on occasion she would do but usually in the confines of private estates such as Balmoral.

Her collection of cars is believed to have cost £14 million and comprised of such classics as Bentleys, Jaguars, a one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce, a Daimler Super V8 LWB, and the ever-popular Land Rover Defender, that she would often be seen in during countryside retreats.

Here we take a look at a selection of ten cars that were owned by Her Majesty over the years, in no particular order of ownership or value – and there are many more that we could also list.

First up is a Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid Landaulet. This vehicle was produced for the Queen by Land Rover, who provided 4 cars for the royal family since the first Land Rover Series 1 in 1953. This Hybrid was designed to replace the official Range Rover that was previously being used.

The 1953 Land Rover Series 1 was a particular favourite of the Queen and was at the forefront of design and performance back in the early 50s. When she was out driving, it was often a Land rover that the Queen would be seen in.

A 1930 Citroen C4 is one of the older models in the collection and was produced to replace the Type A and family cars. Produced between 1928 and 1932, the C4 is a rare model to find today despite 121,000 being manufactured and was one of the most successful cars built after World War I.

The 2002 Bentley State Limousine is very special as only 2 were produced, with both belonging to the royal family. It was commissioned by the Queen to mark her Golden Jubilee in 2002. With its 6.75-litre V8 engine, it was a modification of the Arnage R.

Daimler has figured prominently in the collection over the years with a 1929 Daimler Double Six being another of the older classics in the line-up. With a powerful yet smooth engine, this Daimler has become very collectible. The one belonging to the Queen is now in the possession of the Royal Museum, as are many of the vehicles that belonged to the Queen.

A 1970 Daimler Vanden Plas is another in the collection, one of three owned by the Queen which she commissioned with special features such as no chrome around the doors. Only 351 were produced, making them very rare indeed.

A 1966 Aston Martin DB6 also appears in the collection and was driven by the now King Charles III back in the 1960s, and must surely have been driven privately by the Queen too at some point. The DB6 was the longest-running in production from Aston Martin with 1,788 units produced from 1965 to 1971.

A 2016 Bentley Bentayga was one of the more recent vehicles acquired by Her Majesty, a rare car indeed with the very first one produced being delivered to the Queen herself. This SUV is currently the fastest in the world and has a luxurious interior, with the Queen's also specially customized.

We will complete our list with a couple of the Rolls-Royce models that are in the collection. The 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is one of the world's rarest vehicles, one sold at auction for over $7.1 million back in 2012, and the late Queen had one in her collection purely as a collectible. It was referred to as the best car in the world by Rolls-Royce when it was being produced.

Completing our list is a 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, and with only 516 produced, it is very collectible. Produced between 1959 and 1968, many are owned by royal families and governments across the globe. With a 4-speed automatic transmission and a V9 twin-carburettor engine, the Phantom V was officially retired from the Queen's fleet back in 2002.

So there we have quite a collection, with many others that we could have listed. The late Queen was a true lover of automobiles and in particular, the classics, showcasing some of the most prestigious cars that Britain had to offer.

"Shine on you Crazy Diamond" sang Pink Floyd in one of their most popular songs, but there is nothing crazy about the diamonds in the classic car collection of long-time Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.

He has been interested in classic cars for years now and can be seen attending many of the events in the UK, turning up in rare and classic cars, as well as being quite the racer himself, having participated in the Le Mans 24 Hours.

From Ferraris to Maseratis, he has established a large collection – far too many to list here and probably now more than 40 vehicles – so we will highlight just a few.

A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is indeed one of the diamonds we mentioned earlier and is one of just 36 that were built. He bought it in the 1970s for roughly 37,000 GBP but today, it is worth in the region of 40 million GBP! He occasionally uses it too.

Other Ferraris in his collection include an F40, a GTB/4 Daytona, and a 512S.

A 1957 Maserati 250F, voted "the world's greatest racing car" in 2009 is also part of his collection, which includes many of a racing nature. This is just one of only 26 made and this 1950s F1 racer was driven by the likes of Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss.

A 1955 Jaguar D-Type can be found tucked away in his garage and, if he were to sell it, it could easily bring in at least 10 million GBP. This three times consecutive winner of the Le Mans is considered to be one of the most beautiful sports cars ever built – by the owner himself.

A more recent acquisition (2011) has been his 1953 Ferrari 250MM, which after a few restorations and Concours appearances, ended up in his collection.

Quite possibly the oldest classic in his collection is a 1901 Panhard 5-litre. This vintage French four-wheeler is in perfect running condition and has been used on numerous occasions in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

In total contrast, and bringing things a little more up to date, Mason owns a 1996 McLaren F1 GTR. Owning any McLaren F1 is special, but this is the priceless GTR version. And how did he get it? He swapped one of his IndyCars for it with former McLaren boss Ron Dennis, so quite a good deal we would say!

Other classics he has tucked away include a 1935 Aston Martin Ulster, a 1927 Bugatti Type 35B, and a Maserati Birdcage.

Nick Mason, a real petrol head and a collector of classic and racing cars that would surely illuminate even the dark side of the moon!

For more news on classic collections, events, and for buying or selling your classic cars look no further than Classic Motors For Sale. 

Historics winter auction on 26^th November has breath, depth and brio...plus a touch of royalty 
Historics’ 2022 swansong auction on Saturday 26^th November, at it’s habitual winter home of Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands, is a great reflection of the astonishing breadth and depth of the UK classic car market   The 150 captivating entries on sale span nine decades and some 40 different marques, with values catering for a widely varying depth of pocket.

An interesting history, or famous past owner, always ticks the box when it comes to classic car values. Consequently, bidding on a pristine 2009 Jaguar X-Type Estate - whose first owner was the most famous person in the world -  Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II -  will be electrifying...all the more so as it’s offered at no reserve.

”Photo:  Jim Bennett”

Aston Martin purists can’t fail to be drawn to the magnificent 1968 Aston Martin DB6 Volante (£595,000-£650,000), restored superbly over eight years and cosseted by its present owner. Also waving the flag vigorously for fine British sporting marques is AC Cars, Britain’s oldest existing car manufacturer, whose 1994 AC Ace Brooklands (£24,000-£28,000) is represented by the first production model to leave the factory.  Nevertheless, AC pride of place most surely goes to a very desirable Bristol-engined 1959 AC Aceca, one of just 171 built. (£100,000-£125,000).

Staying with the homeland, Historics is offering a quartet of classic Jensens, headed by a 1960 Jensen 541R (£40,000-£50,000) and an enticing 1974 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III recommissioning  project  (£15,000-£20,000).  Also requiring complete restoration is a 1988 Ferrari Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet, tantalisingly offered without reserve, whilst joining it on the no reserve stakes is a true design icon – a 1970 Maserati Bora - one of just 42 right-hand drive models.

Adding spice to the auction mix are two hugely collectible and absolutely stunning 1930’s Ford hotrods, one a 1937 Model B Pick-up (£38,000-£45,000), the other a 1930 Model A Pick-up (£30,000-£35,000). Both will win pole position on any school run or trip to the supermarket!  Bringing celebrity status to the American offering is a stupendous example of American eye-candy adored by the likes of Marilyn Monroe, by way of a stunningly-presented and imposing Seminole Red 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible (£90,000-£100,000).

‘Imposing’ however is an understatement for the mighty 1952 tank-engined Meteor 27-litre V-12 Special (£75,000-£95,000) which will dominate the auction hall. 651 horsepower underfoot (and 80mph in first gear) assures this magnificent one-off will never fail to raise the adrenalin. It's a great counterpoint to the diminutive and charming 1970 Fiat 500L with 18 horsepower on tap and offered without reserve.   

Undisputedly the most unusual of all consignments is the original wooden ‘buck’ from which Jaguar Cars produced the venerable Jaguar D-Type sports car in the 1950’s.  A true piece of motoring history, the 1954 Jaguar D-Type ‘buck’ is estimated at £70,000-£90,000 and is sure to attract enormous interest.

Adding a dose of intrigue to the auction entry is a 1951 Mercedes-Benz 170S Cabriolet, (£105,000-£125,000) used by MI6 and owned by an agent who worked with George Blake in Berlin.  This multi-award winning concours condition car is no stranger to Mercedes-Benz World, having been displayed here between 2008 and 2013. Vying for similar top attention is an enormously rare, right-hand drive 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B ‘Adenauer’ Cabriolet (£175,000-£210,000), first registered to Mercedes-Benz UK, retained by them for eleven year, and now bought to market in very fine condition. Also amongst the 30+ Mercedes-Benz classics on offer is a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda restoration project.  Part finished and with copious original parts it represents a wonderful project at no reserve.

To appreciate the full depth and breadth of classics on sale at this fascinating auction, visit Historics’ website where you’ll find details of all entries and registration to bid. www.historics.co.uk. 

The Saturday auction, starting at 9.30am, is preceded by three full viewing days at the venue, giving the opportunity to thoroughly inspect all entries at close quarters. Entry is by catalogue, available on the door. 

If you are interested in listing your stock with us and joining a successful and growing client list, please contact us using the details below. 

Nick Aylieff: Owner & CEO, Classic Motors For Sale

+44(0) 2392 160 809 | +66(0) 864 054 536 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.