A 1966 rally car with a fascinating history is expected to sell for as much as £50,000 – more than 50 times what it cost when new – when it goes under the hammer next month.

The Hillman Imp took part in the Monte Carlo Rally 50 years ago, and is to be sold at Richard Edmonds Auctions in Chippenham after private collector Mark Tudge, who lives near Malmesbury, decided it was time to find it a new home.

Auctioneer Richard Edmonds said: "We’re thrilled to be able to offer this historic and much-loved vehicle.

"We’re expecting buyers and collectors to come from right across the county."

Having bought the car in 2013 after seeing it advertised in a local paper while on holiday in North Wales, Mr Tudge is sad to part with it, but says he has enjoyed being the proud owner of such a unique car.

Mr Tudge said: "I was incredibly lucky to buy the car. It has an amazing history. It’s one of only eight works Imps built between 1963 and 1969.

"The car hasn’t been seen much in public for many years. I’ve only driven it two or three times a year to keep it roadworthy.”

This car competed in the UK’s first-ever televised Rallycross event in 1967 at Camberley, Surrey, driven by Rosemary Smith.

The Imp was launched by Rootes Group as a competitor to the highly popular Mini and began manufacture in 1963 at Linwood, Scotland. Just under half a million were sold before the final Imp rolled off the production line in 1976.

The auction will take place at Allington, just outside Chippenham, between March 2-4.

For more information, contact Richard Edmonds Auctions by email at info@richardedmondsauctions.co.uk