Lord Astor's car to be auctioned

Fewer than 24,000 the Pagoda cars were made

A Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda car, whose first owner in the late swinging 60s was Lord Astor, is to go under the hammer in Dorset.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the SL Pagoda in 1963 - referred to as the Pagoda due to its "Japanese-style" roof where the centre is lower than the sides.

Fewer than 24,000 cars were made with many being exported to the USA.

Charterhouse auctioneers in Sherborne said it will be sold in their "classic automobilia" auction on 15 September.

Production for the 280SL started in 1968 and ended in 1971.

It is one of the most cherished of the range, a spokesman for Charterhouse said.

"We often come across cars which have had rich and famous owners which can add interest, intrigue and value to the vehicles," said Richard Bromell.

"However, I was somewhat disappointed to learn that the Profumo affair happened five years before this car was registered making it impossible for Christine Keeler to have gone for a spin in it, when partying at Lord Astor's Cliveden country mansion!"