TWO rare classic cars are set to be auctioned off in Stourbridge this weekend - along with an exclusive private number plate valued at up to £20,000.

An iconic Isetta bubble car and a 1961 Fairthorpe Special are the star lots in the forthcoming sale being hosted by Fieldings Auctioneers at their Mill Race Lane auction house on Saturday February 4th.

According to auctioneer Mark Hannam, both vehicles have lain hidden and untouched since the 1970s and are real barn finds for motor fans.

He said despite being covered in grime, dust and decay the vintage vehicles are both "generally in sound condition and with care and attention can be restored to their former showroom glory".

First under the hammer will be the BMW Isetta 300 - the first Italian designed micro car - which was distinctive because of its egg shape and bubble like windows.

Produced from 1955 onwards, the-three-wheeled vehicle became the world's first car to achieve a fuel consumption of 94mpg.

Mr Hannam said: These rarely come up for auction and this example comes with a spare engine, gear box and exhaust parts and carries an estimate of £5,000 to £7,000."

The second vehicle going under the hammer is the Fairthorpe sports car, which closely represents the Electron minor model but features a later kit car aluminium body - built for speed and the hill climbing competition circuit.

Fitted with a 998cc engine and private registration plate - it has a guide price of £3,500 to £4,500, with no reserve, and Mr Hannam said: "It's a great opportunity for the restoration enthusiast."

The cars have put up for auction after being discovered in the estates of their deceased owners.

Also up for sale - from one of the estates - is a private number plate '1 PFH' which is likely to fetch £15,000 to 20,000.

Mr Hannam said: "Not many of these registrations come up for public auction so this could be the ideal acquisition if this configuration of this number plate suits."

The cars, number plate and other items in the sale can be viewed on Thursday February 2 from 10am to 4pm, Friday February 3 from 10am to 8pm and Saturday February 4 from 8.30am until the sale starts at 10am.