by Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse
The black Ford Escort RS Turbo, which was driven by the late Princess Diana in the eighties, sold for a staggering £650,000 in auction last week.
The car is believed to be unique in being the only black RS Turbo Series 1 made at the time, instead of the standard white manufactured model. Ford were also asked to fit a five-slat front grille taken from a standard Escort to conceal its power and value.
Ford added a secondary rear-view mirror for the Royal Protection Officer who accompanied Diana in the passenger seat. In case of an emergency, a radio was also concealed in the glove compartment.
Diana was regularly seen driving the car to the shops and restaurants of West London between 1985 and 1988.
The car had just under 25,000 miles on the clock and, according the Silverstone Auctions, was described as ‘one of the finest preserved examples of the model anywhere’.
This unique piece of royal motoring history went to a buyer from Cheshire after what was described as ‘fierce bidding’.
Last year, another Ford Escort – a 1.6 litre Ghia saloon – owned by Diana was sold at auction for £52,000.
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