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Bentley State Limousine (2002) (1:18 scale by Minichamps 100139700)
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This diecast model Bentley State Limousine (2002) is Burgundy and features working steering, suspension, wheels and also opening bonnet with engine, boot, doors.
The Queen received a unique Jubilee gift from the car industry when a brand new State Limousine was presented to her in a handing-over ceremony at Windsor Castle. Representatives of the team which worked on the car gathered at Windsor to show the car to The Queen and to explain its features.
The one-off model, conceived by a Bentley-led consortium of British motor industry manufacturers and suppliers, is the first Bentley to be used for State occasions - when The Queen and Prince Philip undertake engagements in London and throughout the UK.
The tradition of Crewe designed and built State limousines dates back over half a century to July 6, 1950 when a new Rolls-Royce Phantom IV was delivered to Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh. Since then a further four Rolls-Royce limousines have been presented - two Phantom Vs and two Phantom VI’s - the most recent in 1987.
The new Bentley State limousine differs fundamentally from those previously supplied by Crewe in being a unique car, rather than a production car modified for State purposes. It is also unique - it bears no relationship in appearance or proportion to any other Bentley product and has been designed with input from The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and Her Majesty's Head Chauffeur.
In technical terms, the car has a monocoque construction, enabling greater use to be made of the vehicle's interior space. This means the transmission tunnel now runs underneath the floor, without encroaching on the cabin and has enabled the stylists to work with a lowered roofline whilst preserving the required interior height.
The rear doors have been redesigned enabling The Queen to stand up straight before stepping down to the ground. The rear seats are upholstered in Hield Lambswool Sateen cloth whilst all remaining upholstery is in light grey Connolly hide. Carpets are pale blue in the rear and dark blue in the front.
1:18 scale (approx. 28cm long) - made by Minichamps.
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