A Lotus Elan originally owned by actor and comedian Peter Sellers is estimated to sell for £45,000 at auction.

A Lotus Elan originally owned by actor and comedian Peter Sellers is being sold at auction on Saturday with an estimated price of £45,000.

With only 65,611 miles on the clock, the car is still very much as Sellers enjoyed it when he took delivery of the car new in 1966. He owned many exotic cars and this Elan was one of his favourites.

Finished in white with a black interior, the Elan S2 was registered SAR 57D and enjoyed by Sellers when he was at the height of his TV and film career. The car was also used by his wife, Britt Ekland.

After Sellers, the car went through two more owners before being bought by the current owner, who is selling it at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show on Saturday. The car is described as being in good condition but in need of some light restoration work.

The extensive history file contains the original V5 with Peter Sellers' signature, as well as MOT certificates from July 1977 until 2005 and the car now has a new MOT.

Harry Whale, operations manager of Silverstone Auctions, said: 'This truly is a unique Lotus Elan with superb ownership provenance, while it maintains a fantastic level of authenticity. First owned by Peter Sellers, who needs no introduction, this Lotus Elan has sat in a private classic car collection for more than a decade and will now be sold for the first time in many years.'