One of the most beloved figures in modern history, Princess Diana seems to live on even nearly 24 years after her tragic death in 1997. Most recently, of course, her son, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle, honored her by naming their new daughter Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. And come June 29, some lucky person will have the chance to purchase a very coveted piece of Diana memorabilia, her former car.
The 1981 Ford Escort Ghia saloon was an engagement gift from Prince Charles to Diana two months before their wedding in 1981. Reeman Dansie Auctioneers note on its website that the car is still in mint condition and even boasts its original upholstery and paint. The car also comes with Diana’s original license plate and a small frog on the hood. The latter is a copy of Diana’s actual frog, which was a gift from her sister, Lady Sarah Spencer, “to remind her of the fairy tale of a beautiful girl whose kiss turns a frog into a prince,” according to Reeman Dansie.
Princess Diana driving the Ford Escort with her bodyguard in the passenger seat.
Photo: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty ImagesThe reason the vehicle remains in such impeccable condition is that the woman who owned it for the last 20 years was a huge fan of Diana and made sure to keep the car in tip-top shape, apparently even going so far as to hide the car’s origin story from her friends.
In 2020, Diana’s dark green 1994 Audi 80 cabriolet went to auction and fetched £58,000, or roughly $81,855. She also drove a Jaguar XJ-SC during her lifetime, which she actually had customized so Harry and his older brother, Prince William, could fit in the back seat.
Reeman Dansie estimates that the Ford will sell for between £30,000 to £40,000, or $42,348 to $56,464.