Supra_RZ

iTrader: (1)

Ever dreamed of owning a Rolls Royce? If you can't afford a new one, think about how much it costs to buy an old one. A really, really old one. One of the first models of the famous luxury car ever made is going on the auction block in England. It was built in 1904, and looks like something Mr. Burns of The Simpsons might drive. But you'll need his money to afford it. It's estimated to be worth about Cdn$4 million.

The car, bearing the number 20154, was only the fourth such vehicle turned out by legendary founders Charles Rolls and Henry Royce when they formed their company back at the turn of the 20th century. And incredibly, it's not only still around and in good shape - it actually runs.

"It is in perfect condition after loving restoration in the 1950s. 20154 is a runner. The purchaser could get in and drive it away," assures Tim Schofield of UK auction house Bonhams. "You would just need to tickle the carburetor, make sure the battery has a bit of life in it, remove the sleeve from the starter handle and give it a couple of turns."

But you might not want to drive it along the 401 in the winter. The motor is a small 10 horsepower and it's a permanent open-top which only seats two people. The car has an amazing provenance, and can be traced from owner to owner over the decades. It was in terrible shape until a race car driver bought it in the 1950s and spent years lovingly restoring it into perfect condition.

The auction takes place in December and automotive experts say this rarest of all classic cars could rev to a record take in Britain. But it will have to go some to match the all-time mark. That belongs to a one-of-a- kind 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake, which sold last January for a staggering $5.5 million. At that price, you'd be afraid to take it out of the driveway.