A LUXURY limousine that was owned and driven by Britain's wartime monarch failed to fetch a king's ransom at a Hampshire auction.

The 1939 Lanchester Straight-8 was used by King George VI and other members of the Royal family, including the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth.

It was among more than 160 cars and motorcycles that were auctioned by Bonhams during the International Autojumble at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

Described by auctioneers as "that wonderful car with a Royal providence", the Lanchester had been expected to fetch as much as £35,000.

However, an enthusiast from the West Midlands secured the vehicle for the relatively modest sum of £25,400.