Princess Diana's 1994 80 Cabriolet Is up for Sale
Audi drop-top once owned by Princess Diana remains in stellar condition with few miles on the clock.
Stirring Interest
In spite of her tragic death over 20 years ago, Princess Diana remains one of the most popular public figures in history. So it's no surprise that the forthcoming sale of her 1994 Audi 80 Cabriolet has already generated a bit of a stir. The Gomera Pearl drop top is still in fantastic shape with just 22,000 miles, and is headed to Classic Car Auctions' Practical Classics sale March 28-29.
Photos: Classic Car Auctions
Familiar Sight
If this particular Audi looks rather familiar, there's a good reason for that. After all, it was one of the most photographed cars of the '90s, and it helped Audi double their sales at the time. Not just because Diana was such a popular figure, but also because it was downright strange to see a member of the Royal family driving around in a German car.
Photos: Classic Car Auctions
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Short Ownership
Nowadays, that's not terribly uncommon, as even Diana's son Harry once owned an Audi RS6. But as far as this car goes, it remained in her possession from March until July of 1994, racking up 4,000 miles in that time frame. She then returned it to Dovercourt Audi of St John’s Wood.
Photos: Classic Car Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this royal 80 Cabriolet right here in Audiworld.com.
Changing Hands
The car was then quickly purchased by Ian Campbell Dale, an author, broadcaster, and political commentator. Dale kept and drove the car for two years before selling it to someone nearby, who proceeded to keep it for a whopping 17 years. Since then, this Audi has changed hands more than once.
Photos: Classic Car Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this royal 80 Cabriolet right here in Audiworld.com.
Well Kept
Despite all of this, the Cab remains in fantastic condition today and has just 22,000 miles on the clock. All of the original paperwork is still there, as well as a number of photographs of Diana driving the car around England.
Photos: Classic Car Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this royal 80 Cabriolet right here in Audiworld.com.
Commanding a Premium
Of course, you'll have to pay more than the average cost for an Audi of this vintage if you want to bring it home. The car's celebrity ownership history will undoubtedly command a premium, and the current auction estimate stands at around $45k-$52k.
Photos: Classic Car Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this royal 80 Cabriolet right here in Audiworld.com.
Desirable Car
For those who are fans of Diana or the Royal family in general, that additional cost will obviously be worth it. After all, this car is pretty famous in its own regard. And we're betting that someone will be more than happy to pay up to add it to their own personal collection.
Photos: Classic Car Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this royal 80 Cabriolet right here in Audiworld.com.
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