All the state and ‘semi-state’ vehicles are painted with a distinctive dual-toned colour scheme (or livery), which dates from the reign of King Edward VII: below the beltline, they are painted in Royal Claret (a deep wine colour ‘that out of the sunlight looks almost black’),[1] while above the beltline, they are painted Mason’s Black; they also feature discrete vermilion pinstriping.

State cars past and present have tended to be limousines with a long-wheelbase, jump seats and a powerful engine for speed when required. They are designed to be imposing and dignified forms of transport for the Head of State.^[1] Characteristic design features – such as a raised roofline, bright interior illumination and enlarged windows and sunroofs – enable onlookers to see the occupants.

On the bonnet of each State and Semi-State Car, there is a mount to which a mascot may be attached. The mascot used depends on the occupant and the location. Three mascots, which have passed through the family, are frequently seen: St George and the Dragon is seen on the Monarch’s car in England; a Lion is seen on the Monarch’s car in Scotland; and Britannia is also seen, a mascot used by George V, George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (which was used after her death by Charles III, when he was Prince of Wales). When the car is not on state business the standard manufacturers’ mascot is used.

The State and Semi-State cars have fittings on the roof for a shield and a flagstaff. When used by the Sovereign, the shield displays the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom and Royal Standard is flown (or, where relevant, one of the sovereign’s other flags with an appropriate shield may be used). At one time, use of the Standard was limited to ‘major function[s] where there are troops, or the Streets are lined, or there is a Guard of Honour to be inspected’,^[7] and the sovereign’s standard signified which car was to be saluted. Since the 1950s the monarch’s cars have been provided with back-lit shields which are illuminated at night. Other Coats of Arms and flags are used, depending on the purpose and context of the journey. Some senior members of the Royal Family display their shields; otherwise, a red shield with a crown is displayed if the car is carrying ‘another Member of the Royal Family or someone representing the [sovereign]’, or is part of a royal procession.^[8]

The State and official vehicles are driven by royal chauffeurs, overseen by the Head Chauffeur and (as part of the Royal Mews Department) under the overall supervision of the Crown Equerry. The State Cars are numbered, with cars one and two being normally (but not exclusively) reserved for the use of the monarch.^[9] The monarch is always driven by the Head, Deputy Head or Assistant Head Chauffeur;^[10] several ‘first chauffeurs’ are responsible for driving other members of the Royal Family, and general duties are undertaken by the ‘second chauffeurs’.^[9] The chauffeurs are also responsible for day-to-day care and maintenance of the motor vehicles.