How our man in Washington will save Britain money at used car sales
Ambassador’s car to be replaced with £200,000 Bentley that officials say could be sold for a profit
AT A time of change, when Britain’s standing across the Atlantic is under scrutiny, it is important to project the best image in Washington – right down to the ambassador’s car.
Sir Kim Darroch is trading in his chauffeur-driven Jaguar for a highpowered Bentley as part of a campaign to promote Britain on the world stage.
And in a decision that will no doubt please the beancounters, officials say that in the long run it will actually make the Government money – because it will be able to sell the car at a profit.
Sir Kim will be given the use of an adapted Bentley Flying Spur V8 worth more than £200,000.
The Government secured the vehicle for £80,000 after being approached by Bentley. The car was £28,000 more expensive than a Jaguar XJ, but Whitehall officials believe they will eventually make money on the vehicle.
They suggested that the scale of the discount means the Government will be able to sell it for a £15,000 profit in five years’ time.
While the Jaguar XJ would initially be cheaper, it would likely fall in value, costing the Government £27,150 over the next five years. Bentley has also offered free servicing for its vehicle for the first three years.
A Government source added: “The Union Jack will be fluttering proudly on a famous British brand, made in Britain, as it motors its way around the streets of power in Washington – showing that Global Britain remains a unique and confident force on the world stage.”
Sir Kim will follow the Queen in having a Bentley at his disposal.
She owns two purpose-built Bentley state limousines which have been val- ued at more than £10 million each. The first of the cars was given to her by Bentley in 2002 to mark her Golden Jubilee and she was said to be so impressed with it that she ordered a second one.
Each of the vehicles is armoured and blast resistant, with Kevlar-reinforced tyres and has a top speed of 130mph. Both were converted to run on biofuel in 2009.
Sir Kim’s Flying Spur V8 will have a maximum speed of up to 180mph, although it will also be armour-plated, which is likely to slow it down significantly.
Bentley is based in Crewe and has seen its sales grow significantly in recent years, with huge success in China and an array of new models.
The decision to change the ambassador’s car was made as Britain tries to build on the success of Theresa May’s visit to the US last month, when she became the first foreign leader to meet Donald Trump.
Sir Kim faced criticism last year when Nigel Farage met Mr Trump within days of the US election.
The US president subsequently called for Mr Farage to be appointed as Britain’s ambassador to the US. At the time Mrs May expressed her full confidence in Sir Kim and he was subsequently credited with playing a pivotal role in securing Mrs May’s meeting with Mr Trump. A Foreign Office spokesman said: “This is a fantastic offer for us to carry the British flag on an iconic car at a huge discount. Because we have been given such a huge discount, we will be able to sell it at a profit when it finally needs replacing. “Ultimately this deal works out cheaper than replacing the current car with a like for like.”