A1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo, built especially for the late Diana, Princess of Wales, will be auctioned later this month. The classic hot hatchback stars at the Silverstone Classic motorsport festival, and is likely to achieve a record price when the hammer falls.

Diana had previously owned an Escort Cabriolet, but the SO14 police officers in charge of protecting her requested a stealthier and less vulnerable vehicle. As a Ford Escort fan, she insisted on the flagship RS Turbo, with Ford's PR department suggesting it be painted black. All other examples of the Series 1 RS Turbo were white, making this car unique.

Other changes included a normal five-slat Escort front grille, plus an additional rear-view mirror for the protection officer. A police radio was fitted in the glove box, and the cables are still present. The Escort was used extensively by Princess Diana, and frequently photographed outside boutiques in Kensington and Chelsea.

It was returned to Ford in 1988, with a new number plate then assigned. The car was subsequently given away in a promotion by Kiss FM. It later entered the hands of a Ford RS collector, who has preserved it in remarkably original condition.

DVLA documents show the Escort now has its original number plate again, while extensive paperwork documents just 24,961 miles from new. It comes with Ford Motor Company internal memos, newspaper clippings and photographs of Diana using the car.

The Escort will be sold on Saturday 27 August 2022 at the The Classic Sale, part of the annual Silverstone Classic event. It stars alongside several other special vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz 230 SL formerly owned by Sir Stirling Moss.

There is no guide price set for the RS Turbo. However, given its incredible provenance, bespoke specification and amazing condition, a winning bid deep into six figures seems likely.

(c) 2022 City A.M., source Newspaper