A LAND ROVER made specifically for Sir Winston Churchill is going under the hammer at the Sutton saleground next month, and is expected to make around �60,000.

The Series 1 Land Rover - with a number plate UKE 80 - was presented to Churchill on his 80th birthday in 1954, and comes complete with its original buff log book that declares the former prime minister and war leader as its first owner.

Jeremy Curzon, from auctioneers Cheffins, who are handling the sale, said: “Make no mistake, this Land Rover is known by aficionados in the Land Rover world and the Winston Churchill world.

“We are suitably thrilled at being given the opportunity to sell it. There has been a lot of interest from buyers all over the world.”

The Land Rover - which has been stored in a shed for the past 35 years and has just 12,000 miles on the clock - is being sold in a specialist vintage sale on October 20.

Made specifically for Churchill, the Land Rover has an extra wide passenger seat, a padded fold down arm rest, and a leather clad grab handle fitted to the bulkhead.

“This is a unique vehicle in the true sense of the word,” said associate partner Mr Curzon.

The Land Rover was put to good use by Churchill around his Chartwell estate, and after his death, it was passed to son-in-law, Christopher Soames.

He sold the vehicle at an auction in 1973 for �160 to Norman Mills.

“There was a hoo-haa over the documents, because the auctioneers were reluctant to hand over the log book,” explained Mr Curzon. “Eventually Mr Mills got the log book, and sold it to his friend Frank Quay, who offered to pay double.

“Mr Quay, now a retired farmer, used the Land Rover for a couple of years to tow his daughter’s horse box,” added Mr Curzon, “He then decided that because it had belonged to the greatest statesman of the 20th century, it should be put into one of his buildings and it has remained there until now.

“This is the first time the Land Rover has left Kent. It runs and drives, and has never been restored. It is in its working clothes.”