Current:Home > ScamsA look at King Charles III's car collection, valued at $15 million -LondonCapital
A look at King Charles III's car collection, valued at $15 million
View
Date:2025-04-21 09:38:53
Members of Britain's royal family have been pictured over the years behind the wheel of some of the world's most iconic cars, and the new monarch, King Charles III, is no exception.
Ahead of the king's coronation ceremony on May 6, U.K. car leasing company Nationwide Vehicle Contracts released a list of the rare and classic vehicles owned by the royals — and their estimated value.
"Luxury cars have long been associated with the monarch and King Charles III, in particular, is known for his fondness of motor vehicles," Nationwide's director Keith Hawes told CBS News on Tuesday. "His impressive collection features sentimental value with motors passed down from his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, to cars bought for him by his parents."
Nationwide listed 12 vehicles in the royal fleet, with the most valuable being two Bentley State Limousines valued at more than $12 million each. They're the only two limos of their kind in existence, built by Bentley specifically for the 2002 Golden Jubilee of Charles' late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
- U.K. poll finds 70% of young Brits "not interested" in royal family
The Bentleys are the official state cars of Great Britain, and both are described by Nationwide as having "fully armored bodywork and glass, blast-resistant tires, and blue flashing lights."
The interior of the vehicles can be sealed air-tight to protect occupants in the event of a gas attack, Nationwide said in its press release, coming with "James Bond-esque engineering as standard."
One of the vehicles set to carry King Charles for his coronation, however, is a far less-modern people carrier. The Gold State Coach may be the world's oldest and most exclusive vehicle.
The coach was commissioned by King George III and built in 1760, according to Buckingham Palace, and has been used at every coronation since 1831. It is scheduled to carry Charles and his wife Queen Camilla in a procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace on coronation day.
The ornate, gilded coach is valued at around $2 million, Nationwide said. According to the palace, it will be drawn by eight Windsor Grey horses on coronation day and, "due to its weight" of almost 4.5 tons, "will travel at walking pace."
The third most expensive car in the king's garage(s) is a 1965 Aston Martin DB6 Volante. The sports car valued by Nationwide at just over $1.2 million was a 21st birthday present from his parents — but the royal did make some distinct modifications.
The king's passion for environmentalism is well known, and in 2008, when he was the Prince of Wales, he had the Aston converted to run on bioethanol, or more specifically leftover wine.
The other nine vehicles on the list include another Aston Martin and a Rolls Royce valued between $600,000 and $700,000, and then a more modest set that Nationwide said was worth between about $200,000 and $37,000.
- In:
- King Charles III
- British Royal Family
- Electric Vehicle
veryGood! (674)
Related
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- The Federal Reserve is finally lowering rates. Here’s what consumers should know
- 'Bachelorette' contestant Devin Strader's ex took out restraining order after burglary
- 'Heartbreaking': Mass. police recruit dies after getting knocked out in training exercise
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Texans RB Joe Mixon calls on NFL to 'put your money where your mouth is' on hip-drop tackle
- Mississippi high court rejects the latest appeal by a man on death row since 1994
- JD Souther, a singer-songwriter who penned hits for the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, dies at 78
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Washington gubernatorial debate pits attorney general vs. ex-sheriff who helped nab serial killer
Ranking
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- RHOSLC Alum Monica Garcia Returning to TV in Villainous New Role
- Feds: Cockfighting ring in Rhode Island is latest in nation to exploit animals
- Lack of citizenship documents might keep many from voting in Arizona state and local races
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Trail camera captures 'truly amazing' two-legged bear in West Virginia: Watch
- NFL power rankings Week 3: Chiefs still No. 1, but top five overhaul occurs after chaotic weekend
- New York schools staff accused of taking family on trips meant for homeless students
Recommendation
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
Sean “Diddy” Combs Arrest: Lawyer Says He’s in “Treatment and Therapy” Amid Sex Trafficking Charges
Ukraine boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk released after brief detention in Poland
Why Dolly Parton Is Defending the CMAs After Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Snub
Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Floor Plans
Gia Giudice Shares Hangover Skincare Hacks, the Item She Has in Her Bag at All Times & $2 Beauty Tools
Halle Berry Reveals Hilarious Mom Mistake She Made With 16-Year-Old Daughter Nahla