The Landau as a horse-drawn vehicle was originally designed and used in the German town of Landau in the late 1600's. The first examples appeared in England in the 1700's. The earliest models were heavy and uncomfortable yet it was not until the 1830's that London coach-builder, Luke Hopkinson, re-designed the springing, seats and roof in order to improve the comfort of the passengers.

It was a popular vehicle in England owing to its practical folding hooded roof - called heads - which enabled the four travellers to enjoy the sunshine on warm days with the roof down and to remain snug inside in less clement weather.

By the end of the 1800's, the Landau's design had been refined to its most elegant, light and comfortable form. Now a much less heavy vehicle, finer carriage horses could be used to draw the Landau and it became one of the most popular forms of transport for the wealthy as well as for more modest households. Thrifty Landau owners also saved the magnificent sum of two pounds two shillings tax annually because they required only one vehicle instead of two, one for summer and one for winter.

Some of the best examples of the Landau date from the end of the nineteenth century. The Queen has some fine Landaus, which can be seen being used on State occasions, such as the opening of the Houses of Parliament and for Royal Ascot.