TL;DR: Princess Diana's 1994 British Racing Green Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign, famous as the 'revenge dress car', is heading to auction from June 1st. Experts anticipate bids exceeding £100,000 for the royal vehicle, which served as her primary transport between 1994 and 1997.
Key Facts:
1. The 1994 Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign was Princess Diana's primary vehicle from 1994 to 1997.
2. The car is expected to fetch at least £100,000 at an online auction starting June 1st.
3. It has only 45,000 miles on the clock and has been stored in a heated garage since 2014.
4. A discreet 'security' button is located in the centre console, a unique feature from its time in the royal fleet.
5. In 2022, Princess Diana's Ford Escort RS Turbo sold for £650,000, setting a precedent for royal car valuations.
Princess Diana's iconic 1994 Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign, famously linked to her 'revenge dress' moment, is set for auction. This British Racing Green saloon, a significant piece of royal history, will go under the hammer online starting June 1st, promising a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts. What this means for drivers and collectors is a chance to own a vehicle with unparalleled provenance.
This isn't just any classic Jaguar. This particular XJ40 Sovereign carried the Princess of Wales to the Serpentine Gallery on the unforgettable night she debuted her now-legendary 'revenge dress' by Christina Stambolian. That evening marked a pivotal cultural moment, and this car was right at the heart of it. While a standard 1990s XJ40 might typically fetch around £5,000, this royal car is projected to exceed £100,000.
This Jaguar wasn't merely an occasional ride; it served as Diana's primary transport between 1994 and 1997. It's a powerful 4.0-litre model that has been meticulously preserved in a heated garage since 2014, showing a remarkably low 45,000 miles. For those curious about its royal past, a discreet 'security' button can even be found tucked away in the centre console, a fascinating relic from its time within the royal fleet.
But does this six-figure estimate truly reflect its value? Consider this: Princess Diana's Ford Escort RS Turbo sold for an astonishing £650,000 in 2022. Suddenly, the £100,000 projection for this Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign seems, for many, like a potential bargain. This car wasn't just transport; it was a silent witness to one of the most photographed women in the world during her most defiant and transformative years.
When Diana emerged from this very Jaguar in her bold, off-the-shoulder gown, she was sending a clear message, both to the world and to her estranged husband. It was a definitive break from traditional royal protocol, marking a new chapter in her public life. The vehicle is being offered for sale by The Market in Oxfordshire through an online auction. Whether it finds its permanent home in a museum or a private collection, it represents a remarkable time capsule of a woman who was unequivocally finding her own voice. Industry watchers are keen to see if it will smash its conservative estimates, with many anticipating it will. Your options just got better if you're looking for a truly unique piece of automotive history.