Princess Diana’s 1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo S1 heads to public sale

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Princess Diana was apparently keen on the Ford Escort. The late Princess of Wales owned a number of examples of the common-or-garden compact, together with a 1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo Sequence 1 (S1) which is scheduled on the market by Silverstone Auctions later this month.

The third and remaining Escort owned by Princess Diana, this automobile was ordered with encouragement from the royal safety service, in response to the public sale itemizing. The princess’ earlier Escort—a crimson 1.6i Cabriolet—drew issues due to its susceptible canvas roof and attention-grabbing coloration.

Princess Diana's 1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo S1 (photo via Silverstone Auctions)

Princess Diana’s 1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo S1 (picture through Silverstone Auctions)

When Princess Diana selected the then-new Escort RS Turbo, Ford public relations provided to color the automobile a singular shade of black. All different RS Turbos had been white as much as that time. The automobile was additionally fitted with a regular Escort grille somewhat than the RS piece for a stealthier look, in addition to a radio (since eliminated) for the bodyguard that rode with Diana on every drive.

The RS Turbo was the last word efficiency model of the third-generation Escort. Because the title signifies, it added a turbocharger to the 1.6-liter inline-4 used within the earlier XR3, XR3i, and RS 1600i efficiency fashions, boosting output to 130 hp. These scorching Escorts have been celebrated as efficiency automobiles for the individuals, so it is a bit ironic that one ended up with a royal proprietor.

Princess Diana's 1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo S1 (photo via Silverstone Auctions)

Princess Diana’s 1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo S1 (picture through Silverstone Auctions)

Princess Diana’s RS Turbo was returned to Ford in Might 1988 with about 6,800 miles on the odometer, per the gross sales itemizing. It modified palms a number of occasions through the years and at present reveals 24,961 miles.

The auctioneer would not record a worth estimate, however one other Escort owned by Princess Diana—a 1981 Ghia sedan—offered for $65,000 at an public sale in 2021. An Audi 80 Cabriolet additionally beforehand owned by Diana offered for $80,000 at an public sale the earlier yr.

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