-PJ
Have you ever driven a Range Rover, not only on road, but especially off road?
While it is a status symbol, it's comfort, luxury and capabilities make it much desired too.
I've had an older one and have driven more modern ones.
Now I have Unimogs and a Jeep.
Next though, a Grenadier.
Search for it and you'll see why.
Not for a status symbol, but because the thing should LAST 10 years or more unlike 3 Fords I have had that all died from coolant intrusion with few miles on them.
It’s an issue over here, too: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/04/04/car-insurance-is-next-inflation-victim-as-range-rovers-hyundais-stolen/story.html
And it probably in large part went the other way around with Lizzy: RR was a premium car there that fit sporty estates.
The cliche used to be poor blacks, especially, going for flashy Caddys they couldn’t afford to try to mask their personal poverty. This story is about a couple who can’t afford a high car insurance, after streching to own a car out of their practical range.
QE2 favorite car she drove herself was a lowly Jaguar X-type Estate. Prince Phillip favored a somewhat entry level Land Rover. Of course, they also had several top of the line Range Rovers. The vehicles come up for sale sometimes.
“Range Rover was Queen Elizabeth’s car of choice. That’s probably why it was a status symbol of success in England.”
Hapless Harry and Meghan in California drive them too. Though I’ll bet they lease them. Who knows. Being faux Royals they might have scored an excellent lease deal. Perhaps gratis.
In England all I have seen the Royal Family drive is Range Rovers. Chauffeured sometimes. Andrew included. And Prince Philip in his 90s even.