The Queen's incredible Land Rovers at Revival 2023

The Duke of Richmond always finds the right words in moments of remembrance. As he paid homage to the late Queen with a speech on the Goodwood Circuit, a parade of the Royal Family’s most precious Land and Range Rover vehicles was assembled before him, ready to set off to take a lap in commemoration of a special relationship that began during her father’s time on the throne.

‘Chassis L31’, one the earliest Land Rovers ever produced, was a 1948 pre-production prototype, where its utilitarian design and unrivalled off-road capabilities established it as a favourite for a variety of working roles, including King George IV. He was after all the monarch that approved Land Rover’s Royal Warrant, an appointment that has been in place since 1951. From here, the British marque became the do-it-all vehicle of choice across all of the Royal Estates, from Sandringham to Balmoral. Beginning one of the most powerful, and enduring examples of brand association ever established. 

Provided by Land Rover Classic and the British Motor Museum, a total of 10 historically significant Royal Family and Royal Estate vehicles were part of the parade. Eight remain on static display throughout Saturday and Sunday with Land Rover Classic, found Over The Road at Goodwood Revival, while two of the vehicles are found on the Brooklands Lawn. 

As expected, each and every vehicle is beyond perfect in their presentation. Utterly spotless. With many interesting and luxurious customisations to explore close up. There’s a 1953 Land Rover Series 1 86” wheelbase, the first fully-bespoke royal vehicle, used for ceremonial purposes by HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Phillip on a six-month Commonwealth tour soon after the coronation. Covering over 50,000 miles in the process.

Another 1953 Series 1 sits alongside, that was originally ordered by George IV and was most regularly used by Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mother, and HRH Prince Phillip at Balmoral between 1953 and 1966. 

From the open top, raised platform Land Rovers, to shooting vehicles with bespoke gun racks, plush leather interiors and a distinct lack of seat belts, every tiny detail tells its own story of the world’s most recognised family. There’s even a hybrid-powered Range Rover from 2015 to cover almost seven decades of changing 4x4 development and technology. 

If you get the chance to see these brilliant and regal time capsules up close, then do so. But if you’re not here this weekend, please enjoy the gallery of these most special royal vehicles. 

Photography by Toby Whales and Jochen Van Cauwenberge.