Those royals hey, what a life of absolute bloody luxury.

Now the general public (or the super wealthy at least) have the chance to dabble in the extravagance of the royal lifestyle, Prince Philip’s 1954 Aston Martin Lagonda 3-liter Drophead Coupe going up for auction on April 3.

Initial estimates say the car could go for as much as £450,000 (R10 million), although due to its mint condition some guess it could go for more. Fortune with what makes it so unique:

…two-thirds of a million dollars seems a mite cheap for an Aston Martin Lagaonda with an extra vanity mirror to allow the Queen to check her hat – always an important royal accessory, whether One is headed to the races, or simply on a jaunt. The radio telephone that Prince Philip had installed to stay in touch — it had a bespoke frequency matched with that of the Palace — has been taken out, but its switch remains on the dash. Ever the wit, the Duke of Edinburgh is said to have loved disguising his voice on the phone with the children…

That the car was a muscular 3-liter was a boon to the family. Prince Philip is, among other things, justly famous for his lead foot, so that, adding to this Drophead’s great legend, he was, according to H and H, “not averse to ‘making up time’ aboard the Lagonda if late for an official engagement.”

Put foot Philip, I’m sure if you were ever caught you could charm your way out of a speeding fine. Some more pics:

Indeed, what a bloody life they lead.

[source:fortune]