Indian billionaire Yohan Poonawalla has made headlines by purchasing a rare Range Rover once owned by Queen Elizabeth II. The luxury 2016 Range Rover SDV8 Autobiography LWB edition was custom-built for the late Queen and used by the British royal family. A unique feature of this acquisition is that the car still holds its original registration number, OU16 XVH, used during the Queen’s ownership. Typically, royal cars have their plates changed after leaving the royal household, but this one remained intact, boosting its historical significance.
Private Purchase of the Iconic Vehicle
The car was listed on Bramley’s Auctioneers website for £224,850 (around Rs 2.25 crore). However, Poonawalla opted for a private deal, bypassing the auction. This Range Rover boasts several customized features made for the Queen, including police emergency lights, massage seats, and adapted fixed steps for ease of entry. Other luxury details include a shooting star headliner and covert lighting, adding to its premium allure.
Poonawalla’s Impressive Collection of Rare Automobiles
Yohan Poonawalla, the Managing Director of the Poonawalla Group, is known for his extensive collection of rare and vintage cars. His collection includes vehicles once owned by Maharajas, Popes, and Nawabs, as well as classic Rolls Royces, Ferraris, Bentleys, and Lamborghinis. This passion for cars earned him the title of “Collector of the Year 2023” at the Geneva International Motor Show in Qatar.
Celebrating a Piece of Royal History
In an interview with The Economic Times, Poonawalla expressed his excitement about acquiring this extraordinary piece of British history. He emphasized that this vehicle is not just another luxury car but part of the Queen’s legacy. With this purchase, Poonawalla continues to solidify his position as one of the leading collectors of rare and historically significant automobiles worldwide.
