Bentley State Limousine

The Bentley State Limousine is an official state car created by Bentley for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002. Only two were built and both are in the Royal Mews.

Bentley State Limousine
Note the Queen's personal English mascot made by Edward Seago of Saint George slaying the dragon. The mascot is changed to match the car's duties.
Overview
ManufacturerBentley
Production2002
2 produced
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
EngineRolls-Royce – Bentley L Series V8 engine, 6.75-litre V8, twin-turbochargers
Dimensions
Wheelbase3,844 mm (151 in)
Length6,220 mm (245 in)
Width2,000 mm (79 in)
Height1,770 mm (70 in)

Description

The vehicle's twin-turbocharged, 6.75-litre V8 engine has been modified from Bentley's Arnage R version to produce 400 hp (298 kW; 406 PS) and 616 lb⋅ft (835 N⋅m) of torque. Its maximum speed is 130 mph (209 km/h).

Bentley State Limousine.

The State Limousine is 83.0 cm (2.723 ft) longer than a standard Bentley Arnage, 25.5 cm (10.0 in) taller, and 6.8 cm (2.7 in) wider. It is equipped with broad coach doors that open to the rear almost 90 degrees. Opaque panels over the backlight of the car can be installed for either added privacy or removed for added visibility of its passengers.[1][2] For protection of its occupants, the bodywork and glass are armoured, the cabin can be sealed air-tight in case of gas attack and is also blast-resistant, and the tyres are kevlar-reinforced.[3]

Interior
The State Limousine is equipped with flashing blue lights. Scottish lion ornament is displayed as is Her Majesty's Royal Standard and shield for Scotland (royal visit to Perth, 2012)

The Bentley is used mostly on official engagements, and is always escorted by a selection of marked and unmarked Royal Protection Squad vehicles and local police vehicles and motorcycle outriders.[4] The motorcade usually includes a support vehicle to carry staff and aides, which was previously a silver VW Transporter minibus, until replaced by a black Mercedes V-Class in 2019. Both vehicles bore the registration plate 1KUV.

The Queen also uses the Bentleys to travel to and from Crathie Kirk when at Balmoral and Sandringham House. When abroad, the Queen may use other state cars or a vehicle provided by her hosts.

Like all British state cars, the Bentley has a mount on its roof for an illuminated coat-of-arms and a pennant, which can be inserted from inside the vehicle. These usually feature the royal coat of arms and the Royal Standard respectively, although other symbols can be used for occasions such as a state visit. When the Queen is on board, the Bentley "Flying B" bonnet ornament is either replaced by the Queen's personal mascot of Saint George slaying the dragon or a single standing Lion, which is used in Scotland. The limousines are equipped with flashing blue lights, two in the grille and two on the front bumper. The State Limousines do not have number plates. The Bentley is claret and black like all the British state limousines.

In January 2009, it was announced that both Bentley State Limousines would be converted to run on biofuel.[5]

The vehicle was showcased at the 2013 Coronation Festival in Buckingham Palace Gardens.[6][7]

The two limousines are said to be valued at 10 million GBP each.[8]

Production

British textile manufacturer Hield Brothers produced the lambswool sateen cloth used for the upholstery of the rear seats.[9]

The unique bodywork was built by Bentley's Mulliner coachbuilding division.[10]

Only two of these vehicles were built, making it even rarer than the Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, of which just 18 were built for royalty and heads of state.

See also

References
  1. Noah Joseph (28 April 2008). "On Her Majesty's Service: 2002 Bentley State Limousine". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  2. K.-J. Roßfeldt. "Bentley Golden Jubilee (2002), Bentley State Limousine for H.M. The Queen". rrab.com. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  3. "Royal Cars From The Royal Wedding". automotivecraze.com. 3 May 2011. Archived from the original on 6 November 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  4. "Thatcher funeral, Queen, Prince Philip arrive". YouTube. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  5. 4wheelsnews: Royal Bentleys to run on biofuels
  6. Bentley one-off limo to feature at Buckingham Palace Coronation Festival
  7. BENTLEY STATE LIMOUSINE TO APPEAR AT THE CORONATION FESTIVAL Archived 6 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  8. One is most amused: Queen sees the funny side when car will not start, Daily Telegraph (13 January 2013).
  9. "The Monarchy Today > Ceremony and symbol > Transport > Cars". Royal.gov.uk. 3 May 2011. Archived from the original on 30 October 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  10. On Her Majesty's Service: 2002 Bentley State Limousine
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