A PIECE of British automotive history is heading to auction next month when the first example of the last Rolls-Royce model to be built at the original Crewe factory goes under the hammer. 

Estimated at between £95,000 and £105,000, the Rolls Royce Corniche, chassis number 001, was purchased by the current owner in 2001.

Its first owner was Rolls-Royce themselves who are believed to have used the car for testing and development, along with promotional marketing of the new model.

As last of the ‘proper Rolls-Royces', it was the final model to be developed at Crewe when the company was still independently owned.

It was also the first Rolls Royce to be launched in the 21st Century, an era which has seen huge changes since the company was taken over by BMW in 2003.

The car will be offered at Silverstone Auctions' sale on May 24 at the Silverstone race circuit and comes 110 years after the unveiling of the first ever Rolls-Royce, the 10HP in 1904.

The interior of the Roller offers trademark comfort and luxury while beneath the bonnet is a 6.75 litre V8-engine whose Chrysler origins date back to the 1950s.

Fully maintained as per Rolls-Royce factory requirements, the first five stamps in the service book were completed by Rolls themselves at Crewe and the total mileage of the car is 24,926.

Presented with the car is a substantial history file of service invoices and also the official sales brochure from Rolls-Royce featuring the car itself.

Silverstone Auctions chief Nick Whale said: "It's a delight to be able to offer such a historically significant motor car for auction.

"Rolls-Royce is truly one of the world's most admired car marques and it's fantastic to be able to play a part in the history of a very significant example."