The Ford Escort may not strike one as regal in appearance today, yet it carries a distinctive charm, even more so for fans of royal history. The Escort RS Turbo, delivering 132 horsepower, isn’t about grand opulence. Its value lies in its storied past and its place in the narrative of a remarkable era. Soon, this particular vehicle will be offered at auction to mark a significant milestone tied to a beloved royal figure who once governed the public imagination with grace and poise. The auction date aligns with the 25th anniversary of the princess’s passing, a memory that continues to resonate with collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Notably, the same Ford Escort lineage has appeared in the hands of Princess Diana in other moments. In May 1981, a Ford Escort 1.6 Ghia was presented to Lady Diana by Prince Charles, a gift that later resurfaced at auction in 2021. Documents from the period reveal a period of public life where even a red convertible Escort saw moments of visibility, a choice that security teams reportedly viewed with caution. The personal vehicle stories of the princess reveal a preference for practical yet fashionable cars that could blend into daily life while still proving reliable and capable as the royal family carried out duties around London and beyond.
According to Silverstone Auctions, the black Escort RS Turbo is more than a color choice; it is a signal of individuality. The car wears a grille with five black slats, diverging from the standard model which features three wide slats. A blue decorative stripe runs along the body, complemented by blue RS and Turbo insignia. Such details underscore the uniqueness of this particular RS Turbo, making it a standout in any collection. The provenance adds depth to the story, turning a road car into a moving piece of history.
The Escort RS Turbo’s heart is a compact inline four engine with a Garrett T3 turbocharger, delivering 132 horsepower. A five-speed manual gearbox channels that power to the wheels, enabling brisk performance that feels surprisingly modern for its era. Acceleration from zero to sixty miles per hour is achieved in just under nine seconds, while the top speed hovers near 124 miles per hour, giving the car a blend of spirited performance and everyday practicality that appealed to a wide audience. These figures place the RS Turbo in a category where enthusiasts value not only speed but the driving experience that comes with a lightweight chassis and a responsive throttle.
In period imagery, Lady Diana is shown at the wheel with her son, Prince William, in the back seat secured in a child seat. A security officer sits nearby, a reminder of the era’s heightened security concerns. The Escort’s registration date traces back to August 23, 1985, a timestamp that helps collectors piece together a precise timeline. Records indicate that the compact car served daily duties for about three years, covering roughly 6,700 miles, a modest figure when weighed against typical royal travel needs but meaningful as a snapshot of private life behind a public role.
After her ownership, the vehicle passed into the hands of the Ford management family for a period before finding a new home with a private collector in 2008. Auction house notes emphasize that the current odometer readout and historical documentation remain intact, including service logs, invoices, and usage notes that illuminate the car’s journey from a public symbol to a cherished collectible. This careful preservation supports the value proposition of the RS Turbo, making it a compelling item for enthusiasts who seek authenticity and a tangible link to a landmark personality in modern history.
Even years later, the Escort RS Turbo continues to captivate audiences with its striking appearance and its connection to Princess Diana. The emotional resonance of owning a car once associated with a global icon adds a layer of significance that goes beyond mere mechanics. As bidders prepare to participate in the auction, many will weigh the historical importance, the documented maintenance, and the rarity of color and trim against the financial realities of appreciating collectibles in today’s market. The result promises to be a fascinating glimpse into how a single car can reflect a broader story about royalty, fame, and the enduring appeal of classic vehicles. The owners who followed Diana, and the collectors who value this particular example, are sure to watch closely as the bid numbers come in, eager to discover the eventual price for this unique Ford Escort RS Turbo.
Photo: Silverstone Auctions