To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we take a look at the Bentley State Limousine...

The Bentley State Limousine is an official state car created by Bentley Motors for Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee - celebrating 50 years on the throne - in 2002. Only two were built and in 2013, the two limousines were said to be valued at £10 million each!

Specifications

The vehicle's twin-turbocharged, 6.75-litre V8 engine has been modified from Bentley's Arnage R version to produce 400 hp with a maximum speed of 130 mph (209 kmh). The State Limousine is 83 cm longer than a standard Bentley Arnage, 25.5 cm taller, and 6.8 cm wider.

Bodywork & Interior

Painted in claret and black like all the British state limousines, the Bentley State Limousine is equipped with broad coach doors that open to the rear almost 90 degrees. The unique bodywork was built by Bentley's Mulliner coachbuilding division.
Opaque panels over the backlight of the car can be installed for either added privacy or removed for added visibility of its passengers. British textile manufacturer Hield Brothers produced the lambswool sateen cloth used for the upholstery of the rear seats.

 

Front end

Rear end

Security

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. The limousines are equipped with flashing blue lights, two in the grille and two on the front bumper.

Fully equipped with flashing blue lights, two in the grille and two on the front bumper.

Coat of Arms

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.

Mascot

When carrying the Queen, the Bentley "Flying B" bonnet ornament is replaced, either by the Queen's personal mascot of St George slaying the dragon made by the artist Edward Seago, or a lion if she is in Scotland.

St George slaying the dragon made by Edward Seago

The Lion mascot used during visits to Scotland

 

Source: Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bentley_State_Limousine

Photos: Bentley Motors/Wikipedia