When a 1990s Rover saloon goes to auction, there’s usually little fanfare or much to get excited about. But this is no ordinary executive model from the now-defunct British car brand.
This 1993 Rover 800 was originally supplied to Buckingham Palace. And while there is no evidence to say the Queen ever drove it, the car was sold to its next owner from a Royal-approved dealer as ‘one lady owner from new’.
The timing of the online auction – which starts on Sunday afternoon and lasts for seven days – coincides with the Platinum Jubilee festivities next week.
However, it isn’t expected to sell for a stellar sum, with a pre-sale estimate of just £8,000.
Rover with a Royal connection: This 1993 Rover Sterling 827 was originally supplied to Buckingham Palace and reportedly driven by the Queen. It will go to auction next week
The car – a Rover Sterling 827 with a 2.7-litre petrol V6 engine – is rumoured to have been driven around London by Her Majesty, though there is little in terms of hard proof to support this.
While the Queen’s name isn’t on the vehicle’s logbook, the supporting documents with the car rubberstamp the fact it was supplied from new to ‘Buckingham Palace, London, SW1 1AA’.
Car & Classic says this is standard practice for cars used by key members of the Royal Family, only adding fuel to the suggestion that it was used by Her Majesty.
As is the case with most royal estate vehicle orders, this would likely have been one of two identical cars delivered, with the second kept in Windsor while this was a motor specifically used in the capital.
Built in 1993 and registered as ‘L464 BPE’, it was then sent to Thomas Day Motors, an approved supplier to the Royal Household.
However, its royal duties didn’t last long.
The timing of the online auction – which starts on Sunday afternoon and lasts for seven days – coincides with the Platinum Jubilee. Experts reckon it will sell for around just £8,000
The car is rumoured to have been driven around the capital by Her Majesty in the early nineties, though there is little in terms of proof to support this
While the Queen’s name isn’t on the vehicle’s logbook, the supporting documents with the car rubberstamp the fact it was supplied from new to ‘Buckingham Palace, London, SW1 1AA’…
Car & Classic says this is standard practice for cars used by key members of the Royal Family, only adding fuel to the suggestion that it was used by Her Majesty
Built in 1993 and registered as ‘L464 BPE’, it was then sent to Thomas Day Motors, an approved supplier to the Royal Household
It was back with Thomas Day Motors a year later, with the second owner buying it under the dealer’s premise that it had ‘one lady owner’ from new.
They changed the number plate to a private ‘H10 MSS’ registration, which remains with the car today.
It later found its way into the hands of the Rover 800 Owners’ Club chairman, Alex Sebbinger, who had managed to track down arguably the most decorated 800 there is.
Finished in British Racing Green with a contrasting tan leather interior with lashings of wood trim, it ticks all the right boxes for a period British executive saloon.
The floor mats are said to still be extremely plush, having been doubled up likely on Her Majesty’s request – one must be seated comfortably at all times, don’t you know?
The V6 engine has clocked up almost 100,000 miles (94,928 to be exact) in its 29 years, according to the reading on the odometer.
The car – which has a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine – didn’t remain in the Royal fleet for long and was sold after just one year
Has her Majesty’s hands graced this very wheel? Auctioneer Car & Classic said it had approached Sandringham for confirmation but is still none the wiser
The V6 engine has clocked up almost 100,000 miles (94,928 to be exact) in its 29 years, according to the reading on the odometer
Given its royal connection, it appear all owners have ensured it has been well cared for, with the lot description outlining a rich service history.
Extensive paperwork, handbooks, manuals, magazine features and invoices also help build the fabric of the car’s background.
‘Even if there was no Royal connection at all, the original, excellent overall condition of this Rover would be of interest to the classic car connoisseur,’ explains Chris Pollitt from Car & Classic.
‘British modern classics of the ’90s are, in general, enjoying a deserved renaissance, but this particular 1993 Rover Sterling strikes a special note within the current Jubilee celebrations, and would be the ultimate anniversary gift to one’s collection.’
Finished in British Racing Green with a contrasting tan leather interior with lashings of wood trim, it ticks all the right boxes for a period British executive saloon
Given its royal connection, it appear all owners have ensured it has been well cared for, with the lot description outlining a rich service history
The second owner said they bought the car from Royal dealer Thomas Day Motors when it was relieved of its Royal duties. It was sold under the premise that it had ‘one lady owner’ from new
Car & Classic said it had reached out to Sandringham to ask if the car had been driven by the Queens, though – and as you might anticipate – they would neither confirm nor deny.
The Rover 800 will go under the virtual hammer from Sunday 29 May, just in time for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee from 2 to 5 June.
The auctioneer says it expects it to sell for just £8,000, which would be a steal for a motor once retained in the Royal garage.
A few too many glasses of Pimm’s and flutes of champers during street party festivities to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70-year reign over that weekend could tempt some people into placing a bid.
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