The Rolls-Royce that was used for Princess Diana's first ever US visit is to be offered without reserve in an online charity auction that begins on November 9.
 The car was recently valued at $2m by the Berman Museum of History |
The auction is being held by the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois, which is home to an outstanding collection of celebrity-owned cars. In conjunction with the 27th anniversary of Princess Diana's first tour of the US, a portion of the sale will go to Children with Cancer UK, a charity which the princess inaugurated in 1988.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II was first purchased from new by the British Embassy in 1979, but was only put to use in 1981 following two years of extensive upgrades, which included bullet-proofing and protection against gas attacks. It spent eight years as part of the VIP fleet, before being retired in 1988.
 The car spent eight years as part of the VIP fleet of the British Embassy |
In 1985 Princess Diana and Prince Charles embarked on a three-day visit to the US, with the Silver Wraith II as their transport. During the trip, they were greeted by President and First Lady Reagan at the White House. Video footage of the visit will accompany the sale.
The car will also be sold complete with its full history from new and boasts remarkably low mileage. Reportedly, former owners The Berman Museum of History have previously valued it at $2m.
Royal cars have sold well in the past, although not to the value being touted in this auction - evidence of the combined allure of Diana and Rolls-Royce.
A 1994 Aston Martin Virage Volante once used by Prince Charles made £119,100 ($191,500) at Bonhams' Aston Martin sale in the UK in May, while a 1984 Daimler, driven by Queen Elizabeth II between 1984 and 1990, realised $70,000 at a US auction in 2010.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has a great stock of royal memorabilia currently available, including signed items from Princess Diana and a pair of the style icon's trousers.
