To celebrate HM the Queen turning 90, Vauxhall have made a special Astra to mark the occasion. The Astra has been very successful since its release and has won the European Car of the Year award.
If it's good enough for Europe then it appears it's good enough for the Queen too. Even though it seems she's keen to leave Europe, but that's another matter. As you can imagine this is not one's normal Astra and there are some special modifications to this model.
First of which is a retractable red carpet, so the Queen can make that regal entrance wherever she may be. Her corgis are also well catered for as they get their own booster seats and even get a 'corgis on board' sign on the back window. Union flag cushions also adorn the cabin and Prince Philip has not been left out either as he and the Queen get "Phil" and "Liz" sun visor strips. Last but not least there is a windscreen wiping waving hand too.
This will not be the first Vauxhal Her Majesty has owned, she has been a Vauxhall owner for 50 years and they have all be Balmoral Green, a bespoke deep green colour. She once owned a 1961 PA Cresta Friary Estate which also modified, featuring fishing rod holders and a gun rack.
Denis Chick, Director of Communications, Vauxhall Motors and Holder of the Royal Warrant for Vauxhall Motors said, “A few years back, a new Omega estate car for the Royal Family was being prepared by our sister company, Opel, in Germany. It all seemed to be going to plan until the car arrived in Luton. Sure it was sober and green on the outside – but the interior trim was a customised riot of gaudy colour.
"A telephone call was hastily made to Germany, asking them to explain the psychedelic seating and whether they knew this car was for the Queen. It transpired that the team at Opel were fitting the car for Queen the rock band and not Queen Elizabeth. The next day the car was duly dispatched back to Germany for a refit. Especially curated in time for Her Majesty’s 90th, we’ve ensured that the next edition to the Royal fleet really is fit for a Queen”.
