Sir Winston Churchill's much-loved Austin is among a line-up of more than 50 historic and rare vehicles to be sold by Sotheby's auctioneers on Monday.

The classic yet modest 1938 Austin Cambridge saloon 10hp forms part of a collection of Lord Bath's cars which are being sold at RAF Hendon, near London.

Thousands of visitors to the Marquess of Bath's Wiltshire estate, Longleat House, have long admired the British statesman's saloon, which has been kept in tip-top shape.

Churchill bought the car made by Austin of England, once described as a "true blue" British motor car, in 1938 and kept it until 1950. It was known to be one of his favourite cars which he kept at his country home when away from London.

One of the grander cars snubbed by Churchill

"We know that Churchill was very fond of this particular car," said Simon de Burton of Sotheby's. "After the war, his wife tried to trade it in, but when he found out about it, he went to get his car back."

Although the little Austin Cambridge was hardly impressive transport for a prime minister, Churchill used it regularly during the six years of World War Two. Despite one obvious essential feature, the ashtray, Churchill's needs were basic.

"In its day it was a very ordinary car. In today's world it would be something like a Ford Escort," said Mr de Burton. "It is an austere family saloon car. It doesn't have a lot of room inside and it was definitely not regarded as a grand car of its day."

If you believe the saying, you can tell a person by the car they drive, then Hitler and Mussolini had far greater illusions of grandeur.

Bidder will receive photo of Churchill with his car

"The other great leaders of Churchill's time had far more flamboyant tastes," said Mr de Burton. "Mussolini sported an open top Alfa Romeo and Hitler preferred to ride in a large Mercedes."

The sale of the black four-door version will be made complete with a photograph of Churchill beside the car and the car registration book bearing his name. Sotheby's have estimated the value at £4,000 to £6,000, but would not be surprised if the stakes are raised.

"We have based the estimate on the value of the car only," said Simon. "It's impossible to say how much it will actually go for because someone may offer more because it belonged to Churchill."

One of the 50 vintage cars on auction

So what do auctioneers imagine Tony Blair's car will be worth in 50 years' time? According to Mr de Burton it is all about power and charisma.

"If it was Tony Blair's car it might not attract as much interest. Churchill saved the country from invasion which earned him the title, 'Man of the Twentieth Century'.

"A relatively ordinary object can be of great value if it belonged to a significant person or forms a link with an important part of history."

The other three cars in the Lord Bath sale include a 1939 Daimler DB18, once owned by King George VI, valued at £12,000-£14,000, and a 1939 Austin Mayfair, formerly owned by Lord Bath's grandfather at £6,000-£8,000.

The historic trophy won by Sir Malcolm Campbell

The third car is a 1973 Austin FX4 taxi. It is believed to be the last London black cab to have run on petrol rather than diesel, valued at £800-£1,200.

Sotheby's Veteran, Edwardian and Collectors' Vehicles auction also includes the unique Opel One racing car, which was built for the 1914 grand prix, and Sir Malcolm Campbell's Land Speed Record Trophy.

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