BIDS of close to £20,000 are expected for a much sought-after Salisbury based 1959 Daimler SP 250 V8 when it goes under the hammer at the end of the month.

The classic sportscar has undergone extensive work on the engine, with bills totalling £4,484, which includes machining and balancing plus a further invoice for £3,402 for rebuilding of the cylinder heads and new alloy radiators, and £2,764 for suspension, brake and steering overhaul.

The seats are original leather and the bodywork is described as in good order. The odometer indicates 75,800 miles.

The car will be one of a range of top motors on offer at South Western Vehicle Auctions’ classic sale in Poole on October 31, with viewing from 9am.

A showroom condition 1962 Mercedes 190SL Roadster that hasn’t been on the road since 1978 is set to be the star of the sale.

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

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.

Likely to push the Mercedes close for top price of the day will be a silver 1951 Jaguar XK120 Roadster, which comes to the sale room following a total restoration ten years ago – it is expected to attract over £65,000.

Enthusiasts looking for a rare and unusual restoration project will be attracted to the 1949 Lea Francis 1.7 litre two-seater sports (no reserve).

One of only 118 produced, 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.

It has spent the last 20 years locked away in a garage on Portland.

Another untouched treasure that could attract bids in excess of £5,000 is a 1932 Austin Seven De Luxe 749cc saloon.

For anyone seeking a track car there is a ready-to-go Ford GT40 replica built by the men who made the original Le Mans winning factory cars (£25,000- £30,000).