A rare sports car which hasn’t moved from its garage on Portland for more than 20 years is to go under the hammer.

The 1949 Lea Francis 1.7 litre two-seater sports car is one of the stars at the South Western Vehicle Auctions (SWVA) Classic sale at the end of the month.

One of only 118 produced of this model, which were made between 1947 and 1949, this example is especially notable as it is one of only two to feature independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes – all the other similar cars had beam axles and rod brakes.

The first owner of the car used it for racing at Goodwood and other circuits and according to the Lea Francis Owners’ club did so with some success – the file includes photographs of the car in racing trim.

It is reported to have been stored in a garage at Portland for the last 20 years having been driven in by only its second owner – it is being sold by the solicitors acting for the estate of the now deceased owner.

The auctioneers believe it will just need recommissioning to get it running again as under a thick layer of dust the body appears sound, as is the leather trim.

It is being offered for sale on Friday, October 31 with no reserve.

Elsewhere in the auction, a showroom condition 1962 Mercedes 190SL Roadster that hasn’t been on the road since 1978 is likely to be the highlight of the sale and set a new record for SWVA.

If the pristine silver sportscar reaches its estimate of almost £90,000 when it goes under the hammer, it will be the most expensive vehicle ever sold by SWVA – the previous top price was the £34,000 paid for an Aston Martin Lagonda.

Last taxed in September 1978, the previous owner died in the early 1990s and passed it onto her step-son, who spent a large sum of money renovating it – the work being undertaken by well known Dorset restoration expert Terry Van der Zee.

After another period in storage it was purchased in 2011 by the current vendor who lives in Poole and he has had the car stripped to bare metal and re-sprayed, while the interior was re-upholstered in red leather.

With just 88,623 miles on the clock the 190SL is being sold with a recent service and a new MOT. The auctioneers have set an estimate of between £77,000 and £88,000.

The South Western Vehicle Auctions Classic Car Sales takes place on Friday October 31 in Poole starting at 11am. Viewing is from 9am.