UK Royals (Commonwealth Union)_Now is your chance to quite literally drive like a king. Heading for Historics auction on March 2 is an all-electric 2018 Jaguar I-Pace that was bought, owned, and driven by King Charles III, custom painted by Jaguar in his favorite color: Loire Blue.
Although in 2021 the Royal family sold the I-Pace, it still carries the prestige of being owned by British royalty.
However, this 2018 I-Pace is special even without its royal ownership, considering it was the only one ever made to wear its color. It was painted Eiger Grey When King Charles (then Prince Charles) bought the car in 2018, but the then-Prince wanted it in his favorite color, Loire Blue, and so it was. Jaguar took the car back, and made it the only Loire Blue Jaguar I-Pace ever built, repainting it in the desired blue.
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King Charles was not the only member of the royal family though, to have driven the I-Pace. According to Historics, the I-Pace was driven by other members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan Markle. When the then-Prince was first spotted in the I-Pace, and a reporter asked how the new car was, he responded “Silent but deadly,” with a laugh.
The Jaguar I-Pace is an interesting car though, Royal connections aside. Ian Callum’s funky-looking electric hatchback debuted in 2018 to rave reviews, even dominating the World Car of the Year awards in 2019, taking the Green Car of the Year, Design of the Year, and the main World Car of the Year awards. More recently, though, it’s been an afterthought in the electric vehicle market, due to the influx of newer, longer-range, higher-tech EVs. I always liked the I-Pace’s design, though (I know I’m in the minority), and it was always said to be quick and fun to drive.
Jaguar I-Paces have depreciated rapidly in recent years. You could find low-mileage examples for well under $30,000, a huge discount from its current $73,275 starting price. Shockingly, even with its low mileage (35,000 miles) and royal history, King Charles’ former I-Pace isn’t expect to sell for $69,320-$88,226 (£55,000 – £70,000). It would all depend on whether you would choose to purchase a used vehicle once owned by the British royal family and painted in a one-of-one color, or want to snag a much cheaper one without any royal connections.
