The 1994 convertible is anticipated to fetch up to US$50,000 this March.
Princess Diana’s iconic 1994 Convertible Audi Cabriolet will be going under the hammer at The Practical Classics Classic Car show sale at The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England next month.
The stunning convertible, said to be one of the most photographed cars of the nineties, is finished in a deep green called Gomera Pearl over a cream leather interior and boasts a five cylinder engine and automatic gearbox.
The convertible a gift to the princess from Dovercourt Audi of St Johns in North London and used from March to July. Diana returned the vehicle to the dealership when it had only 4,000 miles.
However, the vehicle has a rich history considering its short time with the royal family. In the summer of 1994, Princess Diana was often spotted driving around London in the Audi 80. The tabloids frequently published photos of Diana attending social events or transporting her sons Price William and Prince Harry in the backseat.
At the time, the convertible caused significant controversy, with much of the population feeling a British-built car would have been more appropriate for Diana. However, Audi later reported that sales of the 80 Cabriolet had doubled since Diana began driving the German-built car.
“This is a stunning car, one that is remembered by many of us of a certain age at the height of the Princess’ popularity,” said Simon Langsdale, specialist at Classic Car Auctions, in a statement.
Today, the 26-year-old car has seen four other owners and while it covers 22,000 miles, it still remains in like-new condition. The piece of British royal history, which is being sold alongside a complete history file, is set to fetch anywhere from US$46,000 to $52,000 and will surely be a centrepiece item for royal collectors.