Yohan Poonawalla buys Queen Elizabeth II’s Range Rover in private transaction
British royal history. So, no sooner had an online resale announcement been made for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Range Rover, than industrialist Yohan Poonawalla acquired it.
Though not exactly a crown jewel, the car is unique in many ways — even flaunting the registration number used by the Queen, an unusual scheme of things.
“I am delighted to have acquired this remarkable piece of automotive history,” said Poonawalla, managing director, Poonawalla Group. “Once a car leaves the royal household, the number plate changes. What is unique about this car is the fact that it still retains the same registration number, OU16 XVH, as used by the late Queen. (That has) turned out to be an added bonus.”
The 2016 Range Rover SDV8 Autobiography LWB edition wearing a Loire blue with ivory upholstery has done about 18,000 miles. The reserve price set on the Bramley’s Auctioneers website was 224,850 pounds (over Rs 2.25 crore).
Poonawalla preferred to not disclose what he paid, only saying that he bought it privately, steering clear of the auction process.
Specifically designed for royal use, the car’s unique features include covert lighting, specially adapted fixed steps and police emergency lighting.
Modifications and all
A standout feature of its legacy are the additional grab handles installed in the rear, a modification made by the Queen for ease of entry and exit.
“I will retain all the modifications made to the car,” said Poonawalla.
The industrialist told ET that it was an on-the-spot decision as soon as he
