A 2004 Range Rover, suspected to have ties to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, has set a new auction record after selling for a staggering $165,000. The savvy seller stumbled upon video footage showing Queen Elizabeth II behind the wheel of a similar Range Rover, leading to speculations about the vehicle's royal provenance.

The discovery of the video clip, captured during a 2005 event, revealed the monarch confidently navigating the vehicle with her distinctive number plate clearly visible. This revelation stirred excitement and anticipation among potential buyers, ultimately leading to the SUV's remarkable auction outcome.

Surpassing all expectations, the Range Rover achieved a sale price more than double the pre-sale estimate of £60,000 ($75,000), making it a true rarity in the second-hand car market. The final sale price of $165,000 at an auction held in Birmingham, UK, established a new record for a 2004 Range Rover, marking an impressive 302% increase in value in just four months.

The Range Rover, originally purchased in July for £33,002 ($41,000), had limited ownership information prior to the video's discovery. A letter from Jaguar Land Rover, which manufactures the Range Rover, mentioned warranty recalls at a Land Rover dealer in London's high-end Mayfair district and one in Aberdeen, Scotland. The proximity of the dealership to the Balmoral Estate in the Scottish Highlands, where the Royal Family vacations between July and September, fueled speculation that the Range Rover might have once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.

Known as the Queen's private fleet vehicle, the 19-year-old Range Rover boasted distinctive features and modifications commissioned by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations in 2004. Finished in Epsom Green paint with Sand Hide leather interior, the SUV had covered 109,675 miles and held a comprehensive service history.

Unique modifications included a special front grille with covert blue lights, a switch pack to control the lights, custom seat covers for the front and rear, a dog guard for the Queen's corgis, a load space mat, side steps, and mud-flaps. The specifications were tailored to suit Her Majesty's preferences and needs, with additional features such as dual rear window switches and rear grab handles. Filler in the bodywork indicated where royal motifs and communication systems may have previously been attached.

Historics Auctioneers, the company responsible for marketing the car, confirmed that they had invited anyone possessing photographic or video evidence of Queen Elizabeth II with the vehicle to come forward. Unfortunately, such evidence was not presented before the July 22 auction, and thus the Range Rover was sold with probable royal provenance.

Rob Hubbard, the Managing Director of Iconic Auctioneers, commented on the significant sale, stating, "This sale highlighted once again what makes for a success at auction: the best of the breed, rarity, and celebrity associations."

The sale of the 2004 Range Rover follows a trend of royal vehicle auctions. Earlier this year, a specially modified Land Rover Defender, created per the exact specifications requested by the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, sold for a world-record figure of £123,750.

With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, her estimated £10 million ($12.5 million) car collection has drawn significant attention. Range Rovers have had a long-standing history with the royal family, and Prince Philip himself spent 16 years meticulously designing his own hearse using a modified Land Rover. The modified SUV carried his coffin during a solemn procession across Windsor Castle during his funeral in 2021, further cementing the Royal Family's connection to these iconic vehicles.