Classic Ford Escorts are worth a fortune these days, including this one – even though it's not even road legal.

It's only a 1:25 scale model, but it's made out of silver, gold, and diamonds, and it's taken thousands of hours over the last 25 years to complete.

The model is the work of professional jeweller Russell Lord, who has owned 55 actual Ford Escorts over the years.

Classic Ford Escort model made of gold diamonds and silver

Its body is made from silver, with gold being used for the car's brakes and spoiler. There's also 18-carat gold wheels and bonnet hinges, an 18-carat white gold front grille, 72-point diamond headlights, orange sapphire indicators and ruby rear brake lights.

Classic Ford Escort model made of gold diamonds and silver

There are an incredible array of other details, including spinning pulleys on the front of the engine, a moving diamond-encrusted platinum gear stick and the glass windows – which were made from shards of glass from countless smashed vases.

Classic Ford Escort model made of gold diamonds and silver

"It’s been a hobby that I’ve come back to again and again but three years ago I determined to finish it," said Lord. "I know this car inside out – so there were no plans I just built it from the ground up piece by piece."

The model, which is based on the works rally car driven by Ari Vatanen in the late 1970s, was built using £78,000 worth of materials. It will be auctioned off on the car auction website www.themarket.co.uk on May 2, with all profits donated to charity.