HRH King Charles II's Favourite Prestige Car's Through The Years
On 6th May 2023, the world will look on as the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort takes place at Westminster Abbey. It is the first event of its kind since 1953 when Queen Elizabeth II was given the title of Head of State for the UK and Commonwealth. This momentous occassion will be celebrated across the country, with a Coronation Concert taking place at Windsor Castle and national coverage from the BBC. It is expected that thousands of people will descend on the UK capital and Berkshire City to show their support for the new King and to experience the festivities for themselves.
His Majesty King Charles II has been celebrated for many things throughout his years but one area of particular interest has always been his car collection. He is well-known for his love of cars – a passion that is said to have originated from his 21st birthday. Since then, The King has collected a range of exquisite luxury vehicles and has awarded two Royal Warrants to relevant manufacturers during his time. Along with his beloved DB6 Volante, he is also said to have a penchant for Audi, Bentley and Jaguars too. In this article, we look into his favourite luxury cars to inspire your future tailored driving hire.
Source: https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/prince-charles-says-aston-martin-runs-on-wine-leftovers-466734/
The Catalyst For King Charles’ Obsession – The Aston Martin DB6 Volante
Possibly the most strongly-linked vehicle to the new King, the Seychelles blue Aston Martin DB6 has been in the collection since 1970. It was a 21st birthday gift from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II and kick-started the leader’s passion for exquisite cars. This DB6 is widely hailed as the most famous drop-top Aston Martin that has ever launched onto the market. It is one of only 38 Series II models with a 4.0-litre straight-six engine which generates 282bhp. However, this luxury car hire hasn’t been left as ‘standard’.
In 2008, The King requested that the marque convert the existing engine to make it run on a fuel other than petrol. The goal was to align his collection with the dignitary’s own sustainability and eco-friendly beliefs. After much deliberation and testing, Aston Martin was able to craft a bespoke solution which now uses bioethanol fuel (also known as E85). Derived from several different sources, including surplus white wine, the vehicle is now said to be even more enjoyable to drive.
Since these changes, King Charles’ Aston Martin DB6 Volante has been most famously spotted at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. While the DB6 remains one of the most exclusive models to ever be released by the marque, this doesn’t prevent you from indulging in the sheer luxury of its ancestors. Slip into the elegant silhouette of an Aston Martin DB11 or delve into the open-top charm of an Aston Martin DB11 Volante.
Supporting The King’s Advocacy For Sustainability – The Audi E-Tron
A luxury car you can hire for yourself that is also favoured by HRH King Charles is the Audi E-Tron. Originally previewed as a concept car back at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, it is one of the vehicles that is often driven by The King himself. This all-electric prestige car hire fully supports his environmentalist values, allowing him to embrace the freedom of on-road travel without negatively impacting the environment.
The E-Tron was the very first all-electric vehicle released by the German marque. It is powered by a dual-motor set-up with an option of two different power outputs to suit your needs. If you’re interested in hiring the same vehicle as the Royal himself, opt for the E-Tron 55 which generates 402bhp and 490lb-ft of torque. You’ll find optional four-wheel drive which provides heightened grip and works to create a top speed of 124mph So, if you’re looking to feel connected with the British Royal Family while exploring the streets in eco-friendly luxury, hire an Audi E-Tron for your next trip.
A Gift From One Royal To Another – The Aston Martin V8 Volante
The King’s penchant for the finest vehicles on the road continues throughout his collection and the Aston Martin V8 Volante is no such exception. This impressive fast car was the most powerful four-seater open-top vehicle of its kind at launch. It was gifted to HRH King Charles II by the Emir of Bahrain in 1987 and was heavily personalised by the Royal himself. The original body kit was removed, creating a sleek and minimalistic look. The centre console was entirely re-designed, in a bid to incorporate a leather-trimmed sugar lump jar for The King’s horses. The cabin’s ashtray was also entirely altered and became a closed-lid storage compartment with the perfect dimensions for sunglasses. Once complete, the final spec was so well-revered that it became known as the ‘Prince of Wales spec’ and 27 further vehicles were produced to the same standards.
While The King’s personal model is so exclusive that few have managed to sit behind its wheel, the Roadster version of the Aston Martin V8 stands in as an exceptional luxury car hire alternative. This two-seater convertible allows the wind to rush through your hair while enveloping you in an unforgettable aural experience. Opt for a model with the seven-speed Sportshirt II paddle shift and you’ll discover remarkably quick gear shifts and fast acceleration that takes your breath away. From business meetings to romantic weekends away, few vehicles stack up to its impressive prowess.
HRH King Charles II is well-renowned for his love of luxury car hires and his collection shows no sign of slowing down. Alongside the models above, he is also the proud owner of a Jaguar I-Pace and numerous Bentley models. The King upholds the same passion for on-road travel as his mother did, choosing to explore the country and fulfill his UK duties either at the helm or settled into the rear of these exquisite cars. The beauty of this passion is that you too can experience the same degree of opulence by hiring a luxury car from Starr Luxury Cars.
Our expansive fleet is the largest in the UK and boasts many of the most covetable models around. We have a professional team on hand to craft tailored driving experiences that befit your needs. All of our vehicles are serviced meticulously and can be delivered to any address in the UK. From weddings to milestone birthdays, there are few finer ways to add a dash of luxury to your time on the roads.
To discover our full range, please click here to visit our website. Equally, contact the Starr Luxury Cars team to discuss your requirements directly.