Imagine telling your friends, family, and work colleagues that you are not only driving a fully loaded diesel-hungry Range Rover but also the very one that used to be Queen Elizabeth II's official ride. The only real disadvantage is that it's a right-hand drive model. Other than that, it can very easily become a magnificent set of wheels to own. Few vehicles can pride themselves on that kind of heritage. Here's what you need to know.
Described by many fans, journalists, and owners as being brilliant, the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover SDV8 certainly delivered the best that was available eight years ago. Even though it was powered by a 4.4-liter eight-cylinder engine that needed diesel in the fuel tank, the full-size SUV could have easily been the jewel in the Indian-owned British automaker's crown.
Range Rover is not particularly known for being a reliable vehicle, but the V8 put under the hood of the long-wheelbase model was appreciated for not having issues with the crankshaft bearing or the timing belt.
Although Queen Elizabeth II (nicknamed "Princess Auto Mechanic" in 1944) was known for her love of cars and driving, she wasn't seen behind the steering wheel of this unit. Particularly fond of Land Rover's top-of-the-line SUV, she used to maneuver a Tonga Green 2004 L322 Range Rover.
The 2016 model that's currently for sale is still very special, though! It carries on the legacy of a monarch who was devoted to her country and liked to spend a good chunk of her youth fixing and driving army trucks. HRH joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service at 18, soon after passing that period's driving course. Funnily enough, she didn't need a driver's license. A royal prerogative allowed the Queen to drive without one.
Besides embodying the essence of British automotive success and being an off-roading icon with a past like no other, this 2016 Range Rover SDV8 Autobiography LWB is also a luxurious cruiser. At its core, the vehicle is a wafting machine. Despite its age, it remains a high-riding, spacious, and plush Land Rover.
Photo: Bramley Motor Cars
The vehicle that Bramley Motors sells for approximately £225,000 ($285,447) has been driven by Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich. He got behind the steering wheel when President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visited the royal couple at Windsor Castle. It was one of the few occasions when America's elected leader traveled in a vehicle that wasn't the Cadillac One, commonly known as "The Beast."
The two-row Dark Sapphire Blue Range Rover has over 18,200 miles on the odometer and is equipped with a panoramic roof, rear screens, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, a remote park heater, and automatic side steps.
It also had covert and police emergency lights, special fixed side steps, a siren, and grab handles. However, all were removed except for the latter. They remained with the SUV. As an exclusive perk, the original license plates are also available.
At the end of the day, if money is no object, this SUV can be a great acquisition. Everyone can buy a Bentley Bentayga, an Aston Martin DBX, a Porsche Cayenne GT, a Lamborghini Urus, a BMW XM, or a Cadillac Escalade V. Not many people can say they are part of the very exclusive club of royal motor cars owners.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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