Cars of The Crown: Classic cars the Royal Family rode in

When it comes to riding in style, there aren’t too many who do it better than the royal family, with many of us looking to what they sit in the back of at every event they go to. 

While brands such as Daimler and Rolls Royce are synonymous with the royal family, Netflix’s dramatised retelling of the British monarchy displays a host of cars both driven and ridden in by the likes of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. The replicas used are incredibly well-made, with many now selling for eye-watering prices. 

For royalists and classic car fans alike, below are some of the best cars driven on The Crown season by season:

Series 1

1952 Land-Rover 80” Series I

Land Rover is a brand that has remained popular with the royal family for decades, which is why they pop up in The Crown throughout the series. Queen Elizabeth II was seen driving a Land Rover at Sandringham up until her death in 2022. 

Designed by Maurice Wilks and launched in 1948, the Land Rover Series 1, which has an 80-inch wheelbase and a ladder-frame chassis, was influenced by the American World War Two Willys Jeeps.

Rolls-Royce Phantom III

The Rolls Royce brand symbolises wealth and esteem, so it’s no wonder Netflix included it in The Crown. However, royalists pointed out in series one that Queen Elizabeth never owned the Phantom III. Instead, she owned a 1950 Phantom IV.

Still, this four-wheeled beauty is eloquently crafted and pertains plenty of power under the bonnet.

1955 Sunbeam MkIII

The Sunbeam MkIII used in the series one finale, is typically seen as an old-fashioned English car, but beneath the classic English exterior lies a powerful engine not typically associated with the monarchy.

Also known as the Sunbeam-Talbot 90, it was produced from 1948-1954 and was renamed the Sunbeam MkIII from 1954-1957.

Series 2

1954 Daimler Conquest Century MkI

The Daimler Conquest was produced from 1953-1958, but it’s the MKI that is featured in the show. Daimler is often a brand that is linked with the Royal Family, with many members of the monarchy having been pictured in the backseat. The Queen Mother especially had a soft spot for them. 

But it’s the 1954 Daimler Conquest that was chosen to star in the second series’s first episode outside 10 Downing Street.

1957 Morris Minor 1000

Perhaps the most iconic motor vehicle of the 1950s, the Morris Minor was Britain’s first car to sell more than one million models. Production began in 1948, but the 1000 series didn’t arrive until 1956.

The Morris Minor 1000 was a true “people’s car” and in a somewhat surprising turn of events can be seen in the first episode of the second series.

1954 Austin A40 Somerset

The third generation of the Austin A40 got some much-loved attention during series two during an exciting car chase in episode five.

This stunning vehicle was produced by the Austin Motor Company from 1952-1954 before eventually being replaced by the A40 Devon. The Somerset’s engine, however, was upgraded from the Devon, going from 40hp to 42hp.

1955 Jaguar XK 140 DHC

Jaguar is another brand that oozes class, and none more so than the Jaguar XK 140 DHC, so it’s not surprising The Crown producers chose this model to feature in the hit Netflix show.

The model featured was actually a fully restored original, instead of a replica, and can be seen when Queen Elizabeth visits the Browns Lane Jaguar factory.

1960 Wolseley 15/60

This saloon was designed by Farina and has a mounted engine which transmits its power through the rear wheels. The engine transfers power through to the wheels from a four-speed manual transmission.

An iconic piece of machinery, the Wolseley 15/60 was heavily featured in series two and cuts an heir of elegance transporting the British monarchy around.

Series 3

Land Rover Series 3 Station Wagon  

As mentioned above, Land Rovers are a staple when it comes to the royals. The Series 3 Station Wagon was produced during the 70s and into the mid-80s. It came in a 10-seater and 12-seater version and was known for its luxurious interior. 

If you watched series 3 of The Crown, you may have noticed it in some of the infamous Balmoral scenes.

Series 4

Aston Martin DB6 Volante

Within the fourth series, King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, is seen driving his Volante sportscar around the countryside. This isn’t shocking as the King is a huge classic car fan and bought a similar model in 1971.

This specific Aston Martin was manufactured between 1965 and 1971, with ‘Volante’ deriving from the Italian word for ‘flying’. Those who have had the privilege of driving such an iconic motor would probably agree that the name is more than appropriate.

Jaguar XJ-SC Cabriolet

Many remember Princess Diana’s Austin Mini Metro but this doesn’t actually feature in The Crown. What does feature is an impressively accurate replica of her Jaguar Convertible. 

The vintage sportscar was adapted so it could be used by Diana to transport the princes, William and Harry, in the back. The Crown’s intricately designed replica also included North American–style twin headlights, which Diana’s real version also had.

Series 5 & 6

1994 Audi 80 Cabriolet

Princess Diana had an eye for Cabriolets and this is showcased in series five. This time it’s an Audi she used to avoid being seen by the paparazzi. 

With normal and sport modes plus a wood-lined console, we can see why the people’s princess loved classy cars like this. 

1995 Bentley Brooklands

This four-door saloon car was produced between 1992 and 1998. It has an elegant look, perfect for the royals with dual headlights and a waterfall grille. Its successor, the Brooklands Coupé, came out in 2007. 

Charles and Diana can be seen driving it in both series five and six of the critically-acclaimed drama which appears true to life as Bentleys were a favourite of the King and late princess.

Insuring your classic car 

Your car may not be driving around a prince or princess but it still deserves quality insurance. Adrian Flux can offer you a variety of classic car insurance policies to best suit you and your vehicle.Call us on 0800 369 8590 for a quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.