A handmade Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, custom-built for Queen Elizabeth II and used exclusively for royal duties, will be sold at auction next month with an estimated value of £400,000. The 2016 model, registered in October that year, stands as the only vehicle of its kind to move from royal service into private ownership.
The Queen’s personal specifications
The car was tailored precisely to Elizabeth II’s requirements, including an extended wheelbase to accommodate her legs and a front center armrest replaced by a custom tray for her Launer London handbag. The rear cabin features bespoke finishes: twine-wrapped Cumbrian green leather upholstery, burr walnut veneers, and deep lambswool carpeting in the footwells. These details remained in place until the vehicle was decommissioned in 2019, per Royal Mews instructions.
Despite its 6.8-liter V8 engine, the car rarely exceeded 9 mph during official appearances—a deliberate choice for ceremonial occasions. The Queen was photographed in it during key events, including the funeral of Countess Mountbatten of Burma (a first cousin of Prince Philip) and a celebration for Sir Jackie Stewart’s 80th birthday at the Royal Automobile Club. Its last documented royal outing occurred in May 2019, during a visit to Windsor Castle.
A historic auction opportunity
Queen Elizabeth II’s handmade Bentley that ferried her around on countless royal duties has gone up for auction. The auction, scheduled for October 5–14, represents the first time a car so closely associated with the monarchy has entered the private market. Its DG66 OKM license plate, used during royal service, was retired afterward.
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Freddie Woodd, car specialist at Broad Arrow Auctions, said: “‘It is a privilege to be bringing such a significant piece of motoring history to auction. ‘Her Majesty had impeccable taste, and this magnificent Long Wheelbase Bentley is sign of that.’ Used by HM on numerous official engagements, it was last spotted in May 2019 on a visit to Windsor Castle.
‘The chance for a member of the public to own a car so intimately connected with the Royal Family is extraordinary. ‘Opportunities like this simply do not come along twice — this is a truly unique, and surely unrepeatable, chance to own a Bentley quite literally fit for a Queen.’ The Mulsanne has an extended wheelbase, which gave Her Majesty more space to stretch her legs.
After the Queen’s death in September 2022, the vehicle was returned to Bentley’s Crewe headquarters before being acquired by a private collector in March 2024. It remains in near-mint condition, with just 6,000 miles logged, and has since earned awards at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, including the Bentley Drivers Club Trophy and the HR Owen Trophy.
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