New cars don’t even have ignition keys anymore; just key ‘fobs’ rattling around cupholders. MINI did a cool thing by giving its rectangular fob a little slot beside the steering wheel which the driver must insert the fob into before pressing the Start button, a sort of automotive vestigial tail. The Chevy Silverado does something similar with its fold-down centre seat. Either the vehicle can seat three across the front, or the backrest converts into a massive armrest complete with an iPhone-shaped wireless charging pad.
People apparently love these little purpose-built nooks and crannies, but one granny took the idea way further: Queen Elizabeth II.
She had a 2016 Bentley Mulsanne specially prepared for her. The extended wheelbase Bentley added 25 cm of rear legroom to the already enormous rear, and a 506 HP twin-turbo V8 helped propel the Queen with authority.
More importantly, the Queen’s Bentley had a specially made tray installed in place of the armrest, designed to precisely fit her favourite Launer London handbag. No way Her Majesty was forgetting her purse in the car with accommodations like that.
On the road since 2016, the Bentley remained in the Royal fleet until 2019 before returning to Bentley, then reaching a private collection. The big Bentley was put up for auction by Broad Arrow Auctions, with bidding closing October 14. Expected to fetch €400,000 to €450,000, roughly twice the price of many new Bentleys, it failed to sell. Apparently, even the Queen’s old car has its limits.
Unfortunately the historic handbag compartment and Royal crests are already gone, returned to stock like any off-lease used car. But still, whoever eventually buys it can be proud they’re sitting where Her Highness’ heinie once perched.
Royal history, yes. Royal purse holder, sadly no.