London: A car driven by Princess Diana in 1980s was sold for 650,000 pounds at an auction held today. The auction took place just days before the 25th anniversary of her death.

Silverstone Auctions said there was fierce bidding for the black Ford Escort RS Turbo before the sale closed. The UK buyer, whose name is still not known, paid a 12.5 per cent buyer’s premium on top of the selling price.

The auctioneers confirmed that Ford Escort remains the most daring choice of the car by any member of the Royal Family. The car was made by Ford according to the Specifications provided by Diana and it si believed to be the only one painted black version of this model.

Diana drove the Escort from 1985 to 1988. She was photographed multiple times outside the boutique shops in Chelsea. She died in a high-speed car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. Britain and Diana’s admirers worldwide are preparing to mark a quarter century since her death.

Earlier in 2021, another Ford Escort that Diana used was sold at an auction for 52,000 pounds.