Princess Diana’s Classic Ford Packs a Huge $1.2 Million at Silverstone
It seems the late Princess Diana’s beloved Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1 finally hit the headlines – and the starting prices – at an auction hosted on the iconic Silverstone race track. The car, which she drove like a boss around Chelsea and Kensington, fetched a jaw‑dropping $1.2 million.
Why This Car Feels Like a Royal Treasure
- Ownership period: 1985‑1988 – Diana cruised with it to keep her sanity in the whirlwind of royal life.
- Mileage: She logged a modest 11,000 kilometres before handing the keys back to Ford.
- Custom paint: While most of the RS Turbo Series 1s were a crisp white, the royal guards insisted on a sleek black finish for her – probably so paparazzi wouldn’t spot her every turn.
- Series uniqueness: The Series 1 version was rare even in its day, adding to the vehicle’s allure.
Silverstone’s Surprise Auction
Situated between driven-by-debts and driving‑in‑the-spotlight, Silverstone provided the perfect backdrop for this noteworthy sale. The auction’s $1.2 million marks it as a standout classic in the spotlight.
A Quick Look at the Auction Details
- Venue: Silverstone Race Circuit, Britain’s famed motorsport venue.
- Condition: The car was in great shape with meticulous maintenance records.
- Who bought it? – The buyer remains a mystery, but the price proves that the story behind the car sticks with buyers more than it does with the car itself.
Remembering the 25th Anniversary of Princess Diana’s Passing
On August 31, 1997, Princess Diana’s life was tragically cut short in a Paris tunnel. She was only 36. Now, a quarter century later, her legacy continues to spark headlines, whether the subject is fashion, philanthropy, or in this case – her iconic Ford Escort.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that the Prince’s memory lives on in the most unexpected ways. That this car commanded a record price further underscores how once women stepped onto public stage you can’t possibly keep all stories. Here’s to the audacious spirit that used to cruise past Paris’s streets, never forgetting that a car can become a prime medal of love and memory.
