Ford Escort driven by Princess Diana fetches whopping $764,000 at auction

  • Princess Diana was known for driving the Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1 around Chelsea and Kensington in London.
File photo - A 1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo S1 car formerly driven by the late Princess Diana, offered for sale via Silverstone Auctions on August 27, 2022, is seen in this undated handout photo taken in an unknown location. (via REUTERS)
File photo - A 1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo S1 car formerly driven by the late Princess Diana, offered for sale via Silverstone Auctions on August 27, 2022, is seen in this undated handout photo taken in an unknown location.

A 1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo S1 car used and driven by Princess Diana in the 1980s has been sold for 650,000 pounds or $764,000 at an auction on Saturday, just days before her 25th death anniversary. Before the sale of the black Ford Escort at the Silverstone Auctions, there was “fierce bidding". The UK-based buyer, whose name has not been disclosed, paid a 12.5% buyer’s premium on top of the selling price, according to the classic car auction house.

The late British Royal was known for driving the Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1 around Chelsea and Kensington in London, sometimes with Prince William sitting in a special car seat in the back. Diana often liked driving herself around, which meant her bodyguard was relegated to the passenger seat.

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Ford Mustang Mach E (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 70 Lakhs
View Details
Kia Ev6 (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon77.4 kWh Range Icon708 km
₹ 59.95 - 64.95 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Lexus Nx (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2494.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 64.90 - 71.60 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Mercedes-benz Eqa (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon66.5 kWh Range Icon426 Km
₹ 60 Lakhs
View Details
Bmw Ix1 (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon66.4 KWh Range Icon440 Km
₹ 66.90 Lakhs
Compare
Volvo C40 Recharge (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon 78 kWh Range Icon 530 Km
₹ 61.25 Lakhs
Compare

Also Read : Iconic 1935 Duesenberg Model JN Convertible sedan sold for record $1.34 million

Diana drove the Escort from 1985 to 1988 and has been several times photographed with it outside boutique shops in Chelsea and restaurants in Kensington. In fact, she died in a high-speed car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. Britain and Diana’s admirers worldwide are preparing to mark a quarter century since her death.

While the Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1 was typically manufactured in white, Diana got it in black to make it stand out. Ford also added special features for her security such as a second rear-view mirror for the protection officer. It even had a grille from the standard model Escort to conceal its added power and value. The car driven by Diana has clocked only under 25,000 miles on it.

Though the Ford Escort was not a luxury vehicle, it was one of the UK's best-selling cars, although the RS Turbo was out of reach of many less wealthy Escort drivers.

Last year, another Ford Escort used and driven by Diana was sold at auction for 52,000 pounds or $61,100.

First Published Date: 28 Aug 2022, 15:31 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.