A rare vintage racing car, which mysteriously arrived at Southend during the Second World War, is tipped to fetch up to £1.5 million at a Christie's auction.

The Maserati 8C3000 Grand Prix two-seater racing car is up for sale after its owner, Robert DeLano Sutherland, died last year.

The American millionaire was known for organising the Colorado Grand vintage car tour, inspired by the road-racing tradition in Kansas City where he grew up.

The 1932 Italian-built car, said to be in mint condition, is painted dark brown with brown leather seats and spoked wheels. It boasts a three-litre supercharged engine and has been kept in immaculate condition.

Its life of prestige began in 1933 when it won the French Grand Prix. It is thought to have come to Southend in 1939, although who bought it remains a mystery.

Rupert Banner, car specialist at Christie's in London, said: "The car was brought to Southend just before the Second World War, so it would have remained garaged.

"Nobody seems to know who bought it and we believe its owner may have been killed in action. It was discovered after the war but it was not in good condition. It had some serious damage to the engine and a rod had broken the crank case. It was probably like that for years."

Mr Banner added: "The price of Maseratis has soared in recent years because they are now considered as good as Ferraris for racing. It has been well restored and is in mint condition, which is reflected by the price."

The car passed into the hands of a British motor company after the war when parts from another Maserati were used to restore the engine. In 1953 it was shipped to the USA where it was used once again for racing, this time in Denver.

It was then returned to the UK for four years during the 1960s following further engine problems and was sold to Mr Sutherland in 1974, still in an unfinished state. He completed the major restoration project, allowing the car to be used for vintage road rallies and races.

The car is one of thirteen vintage cars being sold by Christie's at their annual auction at Pebble Beach in California.

Immaculate - the 1932 vintage vehicle found in Southend

By Chris Weeks

Reporter's e-mail: chris.weeks@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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