After using Land Rovers as the first Royal Ceremonial vehicles, in 1971 thoughts turned to replacing the original Series I State vehicle with the newly launched Range Rover model.

For the following two years, memos, sketches and then more detailed drawings were sent between Land Rover and the Royal household using the basis of the Range Rover.

State I, as it became known, came off the production line minus its roof, tailgate and side window glass. It was then transferred to the Jig Shop where work began on the special body. The bulkhead behind the driver was moved forward and the fuel tank moved. An extra exhaust silencer was fitted and the outlet moved so the Royal occupants didn’t have to smell the fumes!

Inside the rear compartment are foldaway seats and half-seats which could be pulled out as supports when the Royal party were standing. A lectern had two umbrellas concealed inside it, ready for the British weather. Many of the special parts were made free of charge by outside suppliers, including the leather upholstery as well as some of the body panels, which were made of steel rather than aluminium.