£4m Diana Dors car to be auctioned

A convertible Delahaye Type 175 Roadster once owned by screen star Diana Dors is to be sold by auction and is expected to reach a sum in excess of £4 million.

One of only 51 made, the curvaceous car was bought for Miss Dors in 1949 by Sir John Gaul, an acquaintance of Monaco's Prince Rainier. Dors was only 17 at the time and didn't have a driving licence according to The Mirror.

In powder blue, the convertible is certainly eye catching with a luxurious blue and white leather interior, as well as a crystal-esque steering wheel. At 20ft the car was coach built by French company Saoutchik, who specialised in making one-off cars for shows or films. The Roadster has more than just kerb appeal however, as it is able to reach around 75mph from a 165 bhp 4 litre engine.

After Miss Dors sold the car, it was transported to America where it was restored to its former glory by a private collector and will be sold by RM auctions on August 14 in California. Alain Squindo spokesman for RM, spoke to The Mail, saying: ''It's a one-off and would have been extremely expensive at the time - it is extravagant and flamboyant.''

Estimating its value, Squindo said: ''The car has an estimate of between four million dollars and six million dollars but there will be plenty of collectors from around the world who want it.''

Whilst the fifties car won't be accessible to average used car buyers, it is certain to attract a wealth of interest from those who specialise in collecting such exotica.

Colin Smith, Milton Keynes, RANGEROVER VOGUE

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