FIRST STATE CAR

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 33, 7 August 1936, Page 12

FIRST STATE CAR

DELIVERED TO THE KING

The first Royal car to be built for the King since his accession was delivered to him at St..James's Palace recently, says the "Daily Telegraph."

His Majesty was to inspect tha Coldstream Guards at Wellington Barracks at 11 a.m. on July 9. At ten minutes before the hour the car arrived from Strathstone's, in Pall Mall. After the King had inspected it and expressed his approval, he got in and was driven to the inspection.

The car, a "straight-eight" of 32 h.p Treasury rating, differs in many respects from those of the same mak<? built to King George's orders. The late King and Queen Mary, when she accompanied him, sat in two armchairs hung from the door.pillars, with those in attendance behind them.

King Edward prefers to sit in the back seat, normally placed, with a seat for one equerrs beside him. There are occasional seats facing forward for two more equerries.

In the central arm-rest and at th» King's side are concealed fittings for papers and for - writing. Thanks to special interior lighting, it will be possible to write in the car at night also. Messrs. Hooper built the body to the King's orders.

The car is painted in the State colours, maroon with a vermilion lino, and, like all cars used by his Majesty for State purposes, it is unregistered and carries no number plates. It is upholstered in blue cloth. King George preferred leather.

King Edward has also had delivered to him for his personal and official use a pullman limousine, painted black, with a fine red line. The car is standard in all respects and with no specia' fittings, other than the small Royal Crown which can be fitted on occasion on the front edge of the roof. Its registered number is CXU 444.