Inspired by the US Army's wartime 'Jeep', developed in haste and intended for short-term, small-scale production, the Land Rover would defy its creators' initial scepticism, going on to become an outstanding worldwide success in a myriad of roles.
The Royal Family has long been a patron of Land Rover, and this special example is one of a handful built for ceremonial review duties. Though never, strictly speaking, a 'Royal' vehicle, as it is painted blue (rather than claret), this Land Rover is interesting in so far as it was the last one built for the Royal Commonwealth Tour of 1953/54. It was retained by the Rover company and only issued in January 1956, well after the Commonwealth Tour was over. Apart from the colour it is identical to the Land Rover built for the Tour and as such identical to the 'State IV' Land Rover.
This vehicle first entered service in 1955 at the opening of the Hyde Park underground car park and was used by the then Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Harold MacMillan MP, which occasion was typical of its use during its life. Because it is painted in a 'non-Royal' colour, it can be used for non-Royal persons and has seen service at events such as the Royal Show at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. Distinguished non-Royal users have included Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean when the Olympic Gold Medal-winning duo made a tour of Nottingham after winning the World Ice Dancing Championships. While in service the vehicle was stored at Rover's Solihull plant together with 'State I' and 'State II'. It is believed to have been 'retired' around 1987/88. We are advised that the vehicle is in running condition.