THE 1923 Aston Martin Razor Blade built to break a world speed record is being put on the market by historic auto specialists Ecurie Bertelli.

The specialist racing carwas originally built to break the one-hour ‘light car' speed record with a focus on aerodynamics, reduced cross-section and lightweight performance.

One of the earliest motorsport examples of aerodynamic design, the Razor Blade's bodywork was manufactured by the de Havilland Aircraft Company.

Measuring 18.5 inches at its widest point, the Razor Blade is believed to be the narrowest race car ever built.

The Razor Blade attempted to break the record - held by AC Cars - in 1923, at Brooklands.

While it was able to maintain record-breaking pace, the attempt was eventually abandoned after the race car repeatedly shed its front offside tyre at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

Later that year, however, the Razor Blade was able to set a new record for the standing start mile and kilometre. The car went on to see racing success throughout the 1920s.

With the chassis number 1915, the Razor Blade's slender bodywork conceals a bespoke race engine originally developed for the 1922 French Grand Prix.

The four-cylinder, twin overhead cam, 16-valve engine outputs 55 horsepower and was derived from half of a three-litre eight-cylinder Ballot engine.

It was raced regularly until the 1950s when it was sold to the Harrah Motor Museum in the USA, which eventually became the National Automobile Museum.

During this time, it was returned to the UK and placed into the care of the Brooklands Museum, with the owner enjoying occasional racetrack outings.

It has previously appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and is currently able to race at numerous events. It is road registered and carries the plate XO9958.

With more than 40 years' experience, Ecurie Bertelli is the world leader in pre-war Aston Martin motor car sales, care, repair, restoration, and conservation.

The company, based in Olney, Buckinghamshire is also the leading supplier of pre-war Aston Martin racing and event support worldwide.

Robert Blakemore, managing director of Ecurie Bertelli, said"It is a privilege to introduce this truly unique racing motor car to the market.

"The Aston Martin Razor Blade has a distinguished history and perfectly captures the 1920s motorsport spirit of innovation, endeavour and daring. Having undergone restoration in the 1980s, it has been well taken care of throughout its period of exhibition at Brooklands Museum. We welcome all interested parties to contact us directly to learn more."