- From October 17 through October 20, 2024, 10 of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Land Rover Vehicles will be featured in a historic immersive display on the Plaza at Rockefeller Center as part of their U.S. tour
- JLR has a longstanding relationship with the Royal Family and proudly showcases the Royal Warrant, signifying its role as an official vehicle supplier
- The exhibition will feature two of the earliest Royal vehicles: the first Land Rover Series I State Review vehicle and a Land Rover Series I
- The exhibition will be open to the public from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday, October 17, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Friday, October 18, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, October 19, and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 20
Mahwah, NJ – October 10, 2024: To celebrate Land Rover Classic’s British heritage and honor Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Jaguar Land Rover will showcase 10 of her Land Rover, Defender and Range Rover vehicles in a historic exhibit on the Plaza at Rockefeller Center in New York City this month. JLR enjoys a long and ongoing association with the Royal Family and proudly displays the Royal Warrant in recognition of its status as an official supplier of vehicles.
Taking place from October 17 through October 20, 2024, the exhibition will be open to the public from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday, October 17, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Friday, October 18, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, October 19, and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 20. Product specialists will be on‑site to share insights about each vehicle’s features, history, and service with the Royal Family.
It is our honor to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by showcasing a unique collection of Land Rover, Range Rover, and Defender vehicles in New York City and other cultural touchpoints across the country. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience the display and learn about the unique relationship the Royal family has with these vehicles, whether they were used in an official capacity or at their private households.
Joe Eberhardt
President and CEO JLR North America
The Rockefeller Center exhibit is an extension of the vehicles’ U.S. debut, following a groundbreaking reveal at the show field of the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® in August. Set against the dramatic setting of the Monterey coastline, the vehicles stood at attention on the 17th Fairway of the famous golf course for young and old to enjoy in the setting of a modern English Garden Party. Following the activation on the Plaza at Rockefeller Center, they will continue on to visit other notable destinations across the country.
Each model in the convoy has close links to the Royal Family, carrying out official duties or working behind the scenes on the Royal estates. The display will feature two of the earliest Royal vehicles: the first Land Rover Series I State Review vehicle and a Land Rover Series I. The vehicles in the display include:
1954 Land Rover Series I State Review vehicle
The very first State Review Land Rover vehicle featured a custom‑designed rear platform. It accompanied HM Queen Elizabeth II and HM The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on a six‑month tour of the Commonwealth. This particular vehicle was sent to Australia for that leg of the tour and is now under the care of a private collector in the United States.
1954 Land Rover Series I (NXN1)
Originally ordered by HM King George VI, it was used by HM Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members of the Royal Family at Balmoral. Land Rover apprentices restored it in 2010, and it now resides in the Land Rover Classic collection.
1958 Land Rover Series II State Review vehicle
The second official ceremonial review Land Rover vehicle featured blue side light lenses, which were switched on whenever a member of the Royal family was being carried. This example was a reserve vehicle, which explains its low mileage of approximately 13,000 miles. It forms part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.
1966 Land Rover Series IIa Station Wagon (JYV1D)
Driven by HM Queen Elizabeth II, this was the first Station Wagon of its kind to be fitted with a six‑cylinder engine. It also features a host of special features, including leather seats, a wooden dog guard, and side steps, to help it fulfill its Royal duties. It now forms part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.
1974 Range Rover State Review vehicle
The first Range Rover vehicle to take the role of ceremonial State Review vehicle entered service in 1975 and was used until 2002. Its specially modified rear included foldaway seats and a lectern containing concealed umbrellas. An additional exhaust silencer ensured noise from the V8 engine was kept to a minimum for its Royal passengers. It now forms part of the Royal Collection at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.
1990 Range Rover State Review vehicle
The third State Review Range Rover vehicle featured in the image chosen by HM Queen Elizabeth II for her 1994 Christmas card, where she and HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, were pictured attending the 50th Anniversary of D‑Day Landings in Arromanches. This vehicle is part of the British Motor Museum collection.
1983 Defender 110 V8 (A444RYV)
A personal vehicle commissioned and used by HM Queen Elizabeth II, it was used on Crown estates Sandringham and Balmoral and was ideal for rural transport and Royal pursuits. The car is fitted with special equipment, leather seats, and a special radio system and is finished in dark green paint to Queen Elizabeth II's choice. With grab handles and footsteps, it is suitable for hunting and fishing trips. This vehicle is part of the British Motor Museum collection.
1996 Range Rover P38 State 1 Royal Review
This is the fourth State I Royal Review vehicle provided by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations and replaced the previous State I Range Rover from 1990.
These bespoke vehicles were used on Royal tours at home and abroad by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip. Like all state vehicles it is painted in the Royal colour claret with a distinctive red pinstripe running down the side of the car, but additionally boasts hand‑painted crests on the doors and tailgate. It features the royal crown topped by a golden crowned lion, which is part of the royal Coat of Arms, and is surrounded by a garter bearing the motto “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (meaning shame on him who thinks evil). This symbolizes the Order of the Garter, an ancient order of knighthood.
The specially adapted rear platform for the royal party to look out from was given four foldaway seats, rather than the usual two that are in other state vehicles. This vehicle is part of the British Motor Museum collection.
2005 Range Rover L322 State Review
This is the fifth State I Royal Review vehicle provided by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations.
The specially adapted rear platform from which the royal party can look out has the same black leather upholstery as inside the driver’s cabin. The tailgate folds down to reveal a set of stairs so the royal party can easily access the platform. This vehicle was famously used to transport the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry during Queen Elizabeth II’s ninetieth birthday parade in 2016. This vehicle is part of the British Motor Museum collection.
2009 Range Rover (CK58 NPJ)
There are numerous pictures of HM Queen Elizabeth II behind the wheel of this Range Rover vehicle, as it was her favored vehicle after it joined the fleet. The famous labrador mascot that adorned the bonnet has been removed for safekeeping.
For more information and downloadable assets of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Land Rover vehicles, please visit https://media.jaguarlandrover.com/en/
* Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® are trademarks and service marks of Pebble Beach Company. Used by permission.