A classic Lanchester limousine dating back almost 100 years is expected to fetch a massive £100,000 when it goes under the hammer on today. The 38 horsepower car was especially made for an Indian Maharaja in 1912 and later returned to the UK in the 1960’s where it was restored to full working order.

The vintage state limo is one of only three 38 horsepower known Lanchester models and the earliest version of all three too making it especially rare. Despite being one of the earliest models, the Lanchester was believed to have boasted a top speed of 60mph.

The Maharaja was so fond of the car that he later ordered a 40 horsepower version to succeed his first Lanchester. Although he employed a chauffeur, the Maharaja would choose to drive the car himself and even had a special area in the passenger foot well for his chauffeur to sit on the floor while he drove the car.

The engine for the car is situated between the driver and the passenger and the vehicle even features a steering wheel known as a “fat man’s steering wheel” as it collapses to make it easier for larger drivers to get in. The Lanchester has a fan in the roof run off the battery, although the roof also comes off so it can be driven as a convertible tourer model.

The Lanchester was custom made for Maharaja Rewa who would have paid £1,200 for the vehicle which would have been the equivalent value to a whole row of houses at the time; now, almost 100 years on, the collector’s item is estimated to sell for 100 times that amount.