Embark on a Royal Journey of King Charles
Embark on a Royal Journey: King Charles III's Opulent $17.6 Million Car Collection
The illustrious British royal family has long been synonymous with regal elegance, and the newest monarch.
In the momentous year of 2023, King Charles III's coronation unfolded with grandeur in England. Alongside the ceremonial crown and scepter, the monarch inherited a lavish privilege – complete access to the Royal Family's fleet of cars, a jaw-dropping ensemble valued at an impressive £14 million, translating to approximately $17.6 million.
King Charles III, proudly upholds this tradition, especially when it comes to his magnificent car collection. Let's take an extended glimpse into the majestic garage, where every vehicle tells a story fit for a king:
At the pinnacle of the collection are two opulent Bentley State Limousines, bespoke creations from 2002 exclusively tailored for Queen Elizabeth II. This Bently was built to honor the Queen’s 55th year on the throne. It has been used for more than two decades. The seat position was made according to Queen Elizabeth’s exact height and the bag storage was built to suit her favourite bags.
The glass was specially strengthened to ensure the safety of the Queen, and the cabin is blast-resistant too. With only two in existence, these armored sedans, stretching over 245 inches, are regarded as priceless, estimated to be worth no less than £10,000,000 each, or roughly $12.6 million.
Transitioning from the conventional, the collection features the Gold State Coach – not a conventional car, but an extraordinary historical carriage. It is a crucial part of not only the Royal Family but of the entire history of England. It has been used at every coronation since 1831. It was built in 1762 for British Kings and Queens, and has ever since remained an important possession of the Royal Family.
The Coach is not made of solid gold, though it may look like it is made of real gold. It was made of giltwood, by placing a thin layer of gold leaf over wood. The interior is made of lavish satin and velvet. It is 3.6 meters tall, weighing a staggering 9,000 pounds, and needs four horses to pull it. This royal masterpiece, valued at £1.6 million (about $2 million), has graced every coronation since 1831, embodying centuries of regal elegance.
Adding a touch of sentimentality to the collection is the 1965 Aston Martin DB6 Volante. Ashton Martin DB6 was the first model to carry the name Voltane alongside, which in Italian language translates to “flying.” The most significant change in this model was the spoiler, which was on the tail of the car. This model has a high roof of about 136 cm, and a wheelbase of 258 cm, and the overall length is up to 462cm. It travels at a top speed of 148 mph.
It was a heartfelt gift from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip to King Charles III on his 21st birthday. This classic gem is valued at £1 million, approximately $1.2 million.
It is estimated that Elizabeth and Philip spent at least £2.5 million on a 1950 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV before she became queen. Only eighteen Phantom IVs were produced. It had a rear-wheel drive petrol engine, a 4-door limousine body design, and an external length of 5.82 meters with a wheelbase exceeding 3.70 meters.
After Elizabeth's coronation, it received a royal claret paint job and was labeled as a "state car," although there's no proof that its ownership changed.
While the allure of non-British luxury cars is undeniable, King Charles III remains steadfast in his allegiance to vehicles crafted on British soil. Despite the desire for a BMW M5 CS, the monarch's fleet resolutely showcases the diversity of British-made automotive excellence.
In essence, King Charles III's automotive realm is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, heartfelt gifts, and a diverse array of British-made masterpieces. This royal garage not only symbolizes the opulence of the monarchy but also underscores the enduring connection between the British royal family and the world of automotive elegance.