2001 Daimler Majestic 4.0 V8 LWB

The Daimler was tailored to the bespoke specification of Queen Elizabeth II. It passed muster at Jaguar Land Rover on the 14th of March 2001 but not road registered for a further 3 months. This delay was because the car needed testing over a 2,500-mile period to ensure any sub-optimal creases were identified and ironed out to ensure the car ‘never failed to proceed’.

A Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirms that the horseless carriage was used by the Her Majesty as well as a royal relief vehicle, explaining the long wheelbase chassis selection. The Daimler also had a few further unique accoutrements, such as the security and convoy lights and, of course, the famous handbag holding tray built into the armrest between the two front seats. 

The Daimler was gratefully returned to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust in 2007, 6 years after it was initially road registered. It has just 16,200 miles from new and less than 1,400 since leaving the royal fleet. In the current ownership, the car has been kept in a heated garage as part of a fantastic private collection.

Her Majesty preferred shades of dark green to adorn her vehicles, thus British Racing Green was chosen, with the overall appearance kept similar to other Daimler Majestic LWB examples except for the security lights which still function as intended. 

It’s no surprise that the condition all round is excellent. The vendor informs us that they have kept it in a temperature-controlled garage as part of their impressive private collection.

The paintwork remains in great condition and the wheels look to be pristine, too. The only flaws we an find are that there is part of the red pinstriping missing and a small dent on the front passenger door and rear wing, all of which are visible in the photo gallery. 

The elegant and luxurious interior is where this car comes into its own. The catkin beige leather and green carpet is a regal and pleasant combination. The backs of the front seats feature wooden fold down picnic tables and in the center is the non-negotiable handbag shelf. The condition of the leather in the rear, with the green stitching, is remarkably clean with little wear to mention. The original lambs wool mats, fitted both front and rear, look to be near new too, with barely any wear at all. 

Up front and things are a bit more business-focused with Her Majesty's original Jaguar/Motorola car phone in the arm rest. The ash tray would usually sit in front of this, but instead we have a rather James Bondesque bank of control buttons for the flashing blue strobe lights, alternating flashing headlights and special blue identification lights below the rear view mirror. These are security lights used when in convoy with the royal escort. Condition-wise in the front of the Daimler, the trim, center console, wooden inlays, seat leather and the steering wheel are all in top condition. The dash is covered in British Racing Green leather, by request of Her Majesty. The front also features a silver plaque stating the car’s provenance and that it was in Her Majesty's personal car between June 2001 & July 2006.

The boot houses the full-size spare wheel along with space that was likely used for the special radio and telephone equipment needed to keep the Queen in close touch with her necessary contacts. The condition of the boot is just as splendid as the condition of the cabin, with no rips, tears, scuffs or discolouration to the carpet that we can see. 

The V8 was the top of the range engine choice, featuring steel cylinder liners as opposed to the Nikasil coated ones to provide the engine with more solid reliability. Mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox, the powerplant package was good for around 280 bhp and could propel the LWB Daimler from a standing start to 60 mph in around 7 seconds and onto a top speed of 149mph. 

Whilst not currently taxed or MOT'd, the vendor believes the Daimler to be in fine mechanical health reporting that it was last serviced by Carrs Jaguar around 20 miles ago, apparently its 7th service. With its intended use in mind, it’s safe to assume that a managed routine maintenance schedule was followed for the car, that looks to have continued into its ownership with the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. If one intends to use the car, a full service before doing so may be a sage idea. 

It surely must be one of the most documented Daimlers ever, as evidenced by a quick Google search of the registration number that will return images of Her Majesty with it and, more importantly, driving it. There is also a wonderful image of Her Majesty sitting in the front passenger seat alongside the late HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, who seems to be carefully steering it to avoid hitting a photographer, no doubt.

As you’d expect there is no shortage of paperwork. Within the file there can be found many images and press cuttings, a sheet showing the personal options specified on the vehicle, a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate showing the car’s original records, plus more in-depth information from the heritage trust. The last service receipt is here, showing an oil and filter change and a visual health check from Jaguar Ascot at 15,146 miles. To finish, there is one set of keys along with a full HPI check, a V5/C and the brown leather wallet containing the book pack.

Such a unique and special car with such provenance rarely enters the auction market and this car is positively adorned with royal provenance, so much so it was even invited to take part in the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2012 as part of the Cartier Style et Luxe display. 

When Royal cars enter the market, they are treated with the highest of reverence. This incomparable Daimler will surely be an outstanding addition to any collection and we’re thrilled to be auctioning the car here at Bonhams|Cars Online. It will be selling with No Reserve from the very first bid and we estimate that the hammer will fall between £35,000-£60,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.