Live ‘the Crown’ in Real Life With Princess Diana’s Actual 1981 Ford Escort
Princess Diana’s 1981 Ford Escort has recently resurfaced and is going up for auction. The British royal family has been a global source of fascination for decades. Few royals have enjoyed the popularity of Diana Princess of Wales, affectionately known as “The People’s Princess.” Diana was known for being approachable and down to earth, just like her car.
A fan kept the car hidden for two decades
In 1981, Prince Charles gave the then-brand-new Escort to his bride as a wedding present. The car was worth $18,000 by today’s value. The princess used the Ford as her daily driver. As such, there are many photographs of Diana in the car, often accompanied by her bodyguard.
Diana would only own the car for a short time. Shortly after their first wedding anniversary, the princess sold the car to an antique dealer, possibly to size up after the birth of Prince William. The princess sold the Escort for the equivalent of $8,469 in today’s money. The car was auctioned off later in 1982.
The winner of that auction was a fan of Diana’s. For reasons known only to herself, she kept the history and identity of the car’s famous first owner secret. Not even the owner’s closest friends knew the truth. Because of the notoriety of its first owner and how often she was photographed in the car, it may be one of the most famous sedans in history.
The princess’ car is up for auction again
Lovers of the royal family or Princess Diana herself will be glad to know that this 1981 Escort is up for grabs. It passes the auction block a second time on June 29 at Reeman Danise’s Royal Auction House. The car will be part of its Royalty, Antiques, and Fine Art Sale in Essex, England.
It’s expected that Princess Diana’s unique Ford Escort will fetch a price of at least $42,341. Some estimates are as high as $56,450. Another fan of the late princess will likely take the baton of stewardship over this rolling piece of history. With only 83,000 miles on the odometer, this car needn’t be just a showpiece.
Diana didn’t just stick to practical sedans. One of her better-known cars was a Jaguar XJS Cabriolet. The busy mom of two had additional rear seats added so Princes William and Harry could ride along. This isn’t the first piece of Princess Diana’s automotive collection to be sold at auction. Her Audi 80 Cabriolet sold at auction in 2020 for $81,853.
A royal escort fit for a princess
Naturally, Prince Charles chose the top-of-the-line 1981 Escort trim package for his new wife. The Ghia edition was powered by a 1.6L 84 hp four-cylinder engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. This car accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 10.7 seconds. However, with a top speed of 104 mph, this practical Ford was not a track star.
The Ghia trim level emphasized upgraded finishes and details. Square headlights and standard alloy wheels set this luxury trim level apart. The interior of this royal sedan is appointed in special wood paneling. Upgrades to the upholstery and other interior materials add to the Ghia’s appeal.
Perhaps the most charming detail of this car is the silver frog hood ornament that adorns it. The ornament is a replica of the one given to Diana by her sister, Lady Sarah Spencer. It’s said to be a nod to the princess and the frog fairy tale. The backstory is a window into the playful nature of the car’s first owner.
This car is as iconic and, thanks to its 20-year disappearance, mysterious as its first owner. The 1981 Ford Escort Ghia is hardworking, humble, and beautiful. Its sale will likely make a fan of the late humanitarian’s very happy as they live out their royal fantasy.
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