Sir Elton to sell classic cars

The sale is taking place in London in June

Sir Elton John is putting more than 20 of his prized cars under the hammer, saying he does not find enough time to drive them.

The singing superstar faces an £8m legal bill after losing a High Court case this month.

I would rather they went to people who can get pleasure out of them every day

Sir Elton John

He is selling his prized collection because he says he is out of the country so much and is unable to enjoy them.

"I would rather they went to people who can get pleasure out of them every day," said Sir Elton.

The 20 or so vehicles up for auction include several Aston Martins, a number of Ferraris and six post-war Bentleys.

Much interest is likely to focus on a black 1973 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI which is expected to fetch up to £150,000.

Sir Elton said: "I've used this car a lot. It's really comfy, we did tours in this country in it and it's got a great stereo system."

And what am I bid for this nice little motor?

Sir Elton's passion for cars began when success in 1970 allowed him to trade in his Ford Escort for an Aston Martin.

The collection has ben kept in tip-top condition at Sir Elton's Windsor home.

Another car going under the hammer is a 1987 Ferrari Testarossa which Sir Elton received as a 40th birthday present.

The sale will take place at Christie's in central London on 5 June.

Court action

The singer is considering an appeal after losing a negligence claim over tour costs he claims he should not have paid.

Sir Elton had tried to sue Andrew Haydon, the former managing director of John Reid Enterprises (JREL) - his former management company - and City accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

But the court found that Mr Haydon was not negligent in allowing JREL to charge the singer overseas tour expenses, including booking agents, accountants and producers.