The Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign that Princess Diana notably arrived in while wearing her iconic "revenge dress" is set to be auctioned, with expectations of strong interest and a significant final bid. The vehicle, a distinctive green model, gained prominence when Diana used it to attend a London dinner in June 1994, stepping out in the widely recognized off-the-shoulder black evening gown designed by Christina Stambolian.
The dress became a symbol of Diana’s public response following Prince Charles’s admission of adultery, elevating the moment and the car’s place in royal history. The Jaguar was owned and used by the princess from 1994 until 1997 and was subsequently acquired by a private collector who has kept it stored in a garage since.
The upcoming auction, conducted online starting Monday by Oxfordshire-based auctioneer The Market, anticipates the Jaguar to fetch around £100,000. Mark Livesey of The Market remarked that without its royal connection, the vehicle’s estimated value would be closer to £5,000, underscoring how Diana’s association significantly enhances its market price.
The model features a leather interior and a built-in car phone, attributes consistent with luxury vehicles of its era. Collectors and royal memorabilia enthusiasts alike are expected to show considerable interest, prompting a potential bidding war. The auction offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of memorabilia tied to a defining moment in Princess Diana’s life and public image.
