HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Jaguar X-Type Estate is Up for Grabs
This Jaguar X-Type Estate was owned by a little old lady, though it’s unclear if she only drove it to church on Sundays.
Last month, the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II prompted an official period of mourning which cast a shadow over virtually every aspect of life in the United Kingdom. As expected, there was loads of pomp and circumstance, and millions of subjects grappled with the loss of the only monarch they’d ever known. That said, preparations for her funeral also prompted questions from gearheads the world over, the most pressing of which was: “What exactly is the Queen of England doing being carried in a Mercedes hearse?”
Given that she’d been a truck mechanic during World War II, and fostered a particular fondness for Land Rovers, the choice seems a curious one. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate for the departed Queen to travel in something, I don’t know, British? As it turns out, however, the Benz was just used as temporary transport, and at Queen Elizabeth II’s official state funeral, her coffin was carried in a special Jaguar hearse. According to our friends at Car and Driver, she’d even approved the design, which makes the use of the German sled even weirder.
That said, the Queen wasn’t content just to make her final ride in a Jaguar, as she owned an X-Type Estate that’s now up for auction on Historics Auctions. As the listing notes, it wasn’t her favorite ride, which is reported to have been a Land Rover Defender. But the lovely longroof is finished in British Racing Green, packs a V6, and features all-wheel drive, so it has plenty of charm, even if it’s not ready for off-roading. As you can see in the picture above, there’s also a doggie gate — presumably so HRH could safely transport her brood of beloved corgies.
With over 72,000 miles on the clock, it’s clear that this vehicle wasn’t a — sorry — garage queen, and it also comes with a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate. This is a no-reserve auction, but given the provenance, it’s a sure bet that it will go down as the most expensive X-Type ever sold. The only question now is whether it’ll fetch more than Diana’s Ford Escort. Stay tuned for an update on the price after the auction closes at the end of the month.
Photos: Historics Auctions via Jim Bennett