
Cars that have previously been in royal service appear from time to time.
Volvo S80 Limousine
Right now there is a Volvo S80 Limousine on display in front of the premises of Bilia Fornebu. The flag attachment on the hood reveals that it has royal history. The castle previously had two S80 limousines with registration numbers A-3 and A-7. The latter belonged to Queen Sonja. I do not know which of these cars has now ended up at Fornebu. Both Volvos have long since been replaced by Binz – limousines based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
When the license plates were redesigned in 1971, it was planned that the royal house's special A number series would cease. This was strongly opposed by King Olav at the time, and a dispensation was granted. All new royal cars are now given an ordinary, official registration number in the vehicle license, but the Palace can put on its own plate. When the car is taken out of royal service, the original number is used.
Limousines from Volvo are built by the Swedish coach manufacturer Nilsson Special Vehicles which specializes in special bodies for ambulances, hearses and limousines. Three rows of seats result in a moderate increase in length of 1,34 metres. This gives a total length of 6,16 meters and a turning radius of 15,5 meters. The engine is a normally aspirated inline six of 2,9 liters that produces 200 HP. The net weight is just under 2 tonnes. This is a limousine for Norwegian conditions.
Perfect as a wedding car.
A 2000 model S80 with over 150 km on the odometer is too old to be used in commercial operation. For hobby use, however, it is perfect. If you are a good driver, you can offer wedding driving with such a donation. Then you get both the opportunity to drive the "nice car" and at the same time earn some money from it. Queen Sonja's previous car was sold to a man in the Greenland area, who makes his car available for occasions such as weddings and the like. See ad for this stately Volvo 000 at BookAClassic.no.
If you acquire a car with a royal history, you get a good argument when you have to advertise rental for weddings and the like, - but be aware that it can also be a disadvantage.
One of the drivers at the castle has told me that they keep an eye out for past cars. Where they have been sold - and resold. Even if you are listed as the owner in the vehicle license, you can never use the car for anything that goes against the Royal Household's profile. For example, you cannot record pornographic films, profile extreme politics or religion, drive a Russian car or raggar car in Strømstad on Maundy Thursday. You have to find out for yourself where the line is drawn. If you go over, someone will whisper something to the Police, and I guarantee they will come to your door. There is probably an authority in the legislation about lack of respect for the Royal Family, or something like that.
The price for an alright standard Volvo S80, type 1, is currently creeping below 30.000 NOK. What you have to give for a royal S80 Limousin, I do not know. As new, it cost approximately 1,6 million. In Europe, you have to pay between 25-30 euros for similar classics without royal history.
A white shirt is also included.



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