Image: Silverstone Auctions
Image: Silverstone Auctions
Image: Silverstone Auctions
Image: Silverstone Auctions
Princess Diana will always be known as one of the most outstanding and affectionate members of the British royal family. Viewed as a stark contrast to the stiff-lipped royals, Princess Diana was a caring mother, a beloved member of nobility and most notably, an apparent petrolhead. 25 years after her unfortunate passing, the gorgeous Ford Escort RS Turbo she once owned has been sold.
Image: Silverstone Auctions
Princess Diana was unlike any other member of the family at the time. Her independence and strong character were ever present whenever she was in the public eye. One exceptionally noticeable aspect was her inclination towards powerful and sporty turbocharged hatches. History dictates that Prince Charles’ engagement gift to his soon-to-be wife was a meek Ford Escort Ghia sedan.
The tame and uninspiring 58 kW transporting appliance was soon abandoned by the thrill-seeking Princess in exchange for a bright red Ford Escort convertible which later was traded for the hearty Ford Escort RS Turbo. Lady Diana’s hot hatch was no “ordinary” RS Turbo. Aside from being owned by a royal, this Series 1 RS Turbo was painted black —an abnormality for a car produced mostly in white— and featured a five-slate front grille and secondary rearview mirror.
Image: Silverstone Auctions
Princess Diana was often spotted pacing around London accompanied by her security, who were not too fond of the Princess’ need for speed. This was a front-wheel-drive forced induction hot hatch powered by a 1,6-litre inline four eagerly pumping out 98 kW to the front wheels, which at the time was the firm’s first car to feature a front biased drivetrain. Despite producing less than 100 kW, the spunky power plant, mated to a chassis that weighed less than 1000kg, made it a rally driver and race track enthusiast’s dream.
Image: Silverstone Auctions
The car lady Diana drove was among three RS Turbo’s allocated to the royal family, with the one belonging to her majesty being sold at the Silverstone Auction for roughly R14 million!
It would have been cool to see the Princess of Wales racing through the streets of London in an Opel SuperBoss or BMW 325i, but maybe in another life.
Keyword: Princess Diana’s bespoke Ford Escort RS Turbo sold at Silverstone Auction