Queen's surprising teenage job to be honored in Platinum Jubilee in 'classic car run'

The Queen worked as a mechanic when she was just 18

Queen's surprising teenage job to be honored in Platinum Jubilee in 'classic car run'
(Image credit: Joe Giddens /POOL/ AFP/Getty Images)

A British classic car run has been organized in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year, in what looks to be a subtle tribute to Her Majesty's teenage job. 


A British classic car run will take place in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this summer, showcasing some of the finest vintage vehicles from the past seven decades. 

Organized by the Rotary Club of Bodmin, the event will see 70 four-wheelers travel a 70-mile route from Bodmin, Cornwall to Penzance on 5 June—the same day that the Big Jubilee Lunch and the Platinum Jubilee Pageant will take place. It will also coincide with a 70km ultramarathon, hosted by Believe and Achieve Events in Portsmouth.

The Rotary Club has confirmed that each car will represent a year in the Queen's seven-decade-long reign, with the first model—an MGTD—dating back to her Ascension in 1952. The Cornwall charity has also revealed that it will finish its run with a 2022 electric jaguar, in reflection of the changing face of automobiles throughout history. 

Car

A 1952 MGTD 

(Image credit: Getty)

The Queen has always had a penchant for fancy cars—especially if she gets to be the one behind the wheel. Despite never needing to receive her license, the 95-year-old is known to steer herself through the grounds of Windsor Castle in her trusty Land Rover and has been photographed driving solo on multiple occasions over the years. 

She also reportedly keeps a £10 million collection of luxury vehicles—complete with Bentleys and Rolls Royces—in the garages of her multiple royal residences. 

Queen

The Queen loves to drive 

(Image credit: Getty)

Her love of cars likely originated in her teenage years, when she worked as a mechanic for the armed forces in World War II. It's understood that Princess Elizabeth begged her father, King George VI, to let her join the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service after she turned 18—a request he eventually authorized after some initial reluctance. It was during this time that the future monarch learned all the tricks of the automobile trade, including changing tires, removing and rebuilding engines, and driving ambulances. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.