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THE Ford Escort that Prince Charles gave to Diana as an engagement present in 1981 has been sold for £47,000.

The silver Mark 3 1.6 Ghia was used by the princess until August 1982, shortly after Prince William was born.

Late Princess Diana's Ford Escort was sold for £47,000 at an auction to an unnamed South American
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Late Princess Diana's Ford Escort was sold for £47,000 at an auction to an unnamed South AmericanCredit: Getty
The princess used the silver Mark 3 1.6 Ghia until August 1982
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The princess used the silver Mark 3 1.6 Ghia until August 1982Credit: BNPS

The car, with 83,000 miles on the clock, has its original registration WEV 297W, silver paint, blue velour upholstery and even the radio.

Diana was regularly photographed driving it and sat in it to watch Charles play polo.

Owner Tina Kirkpatrick, who had the vehicle for 20 years, kept the car’s history secret from residents in her village in Hertfordshire.

She said: “People asked me why I had it and I’d tell them it was my first car I passed my test in.”

She received the motor from Prince Charles as her engagement present
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She received the motor from Prince Charles as her engagement presentCredit: PA
The pair were regularly photographed in it
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The pair were regularly photographed in itCredit: BNPS

The car was sold at an auction in Colchester, Essex, to an unnamed South American.

The hammer price was £47,000 but with the 12% commission the total cost was £52,000.

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