Indian billionaire Yohan Poonawalla has added a significant piece of automotive and historical memorabilia to his collection by purchasing Queen Elizabeth’s luxury Land Rover, which notably transported former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The transaction was finalized at £224,850, marking another prestigious acquisition for Poonawalla, who is renowned as India’s ‘Vaccine Prince’ due to his role as CEO of the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer.
This particular Range Rover is steeped in historical significance, not only for its association with the British royal family but also for its role in symbolizing the strong diplomatic ties between Britain and the United States. The vehicle, which served the Royal Household for over two years, covering less than 3,000 miles, was driven by Prince Philip himself during the Obama’s state visit in 2016, an event held at Windsor Castle.
Mohammed Luqman Ali Khan, who manages Poonawalla’s collection of exotic vehicles, emphasized the car’s embodiment of the “special relationship” between the two nations. He remarked on the unprecedented nature of an American president and the first lady choosing to travel in a British automotive icon, driven by a royal family member. The Range Rover retains several royal features, including a royal coat of arms sticker on the windscreen and a unique number plate from its service days, although modifications like the police siren and covert emergency lighting were removed post-royal service.
The vehicle has seen an increase in value, previously sold in 2019, it has since appreciated by nearly £100,000. The restoration of features such as the rear entertainment screens, initially removed during its royal use, adds to its appeal. This Range Rover not only represents a luxurious mode of transport but also a piece of contemporary history, linking two of the world’s most influential families.
Steven Symes