The car was previously owned by former RAF pilot Charles Blackman, who took part in the raid to bomb Hitler's mountain-top retreat in the Bavarian Alps in April 1945
A RUSTED sports car once owned by a war hero who bombed Adolf Hitler's Eagles Nest has emerged for sale for £200,000.
The 1936 Bentley Vanden Plas tourer was bought by former RAF bomber pilot Charles Blackman seven years after the war.
Mr Blackham happily drove the classic convertible for 36 years before his age forced him to take it off road.
The motor has spent the last 30 years locked up at his home in Stockport, Greater Manchester, but was unearthed after his death in January aged 96.
One of just six ever made by Bentley, the 4.5-litre classic is now being sold off as part of his estate.
And despite being covered in rust and with torn leather seats, the 83-year-old car has been valued between £150,000 and £200,000.
The Bentley Vanden Plas tourers were made using old stock parts but had their bodywork made by top-of-the-range coach builders Vanden Plas.
They were among the most desirable cars of their day.
Mr Blackham's model has a faded green body, scratched black trim and a tatty folding roof.
Inside, the plumb leather interior is completely torn alongside a splintered wooden dashboard and rusty metal steering wheel.
Mr Blackham served in 550 Squadron in the RAF and took part in the raid to bomb Hitler's famous mountain-top retreat in the Bavarian Alps in April 1945.
Later that month he made emergency food drops on the German/Dutch border where people were facing famine.
His beloved Bentley is being sold by auctioneers H&H Classics of Cheshire, who have described the four-seater car as "unique".
Specialists predict work to restore the Bentley could take up to 18 months and cost a "six figure sum".
Damian Jones, head of sales at H&H Classics, said: "This is a unique car as it's the only 4.5-litre left with this original Vanden Plas body.
"It was with the late owner from 1952 and was last driven in 1988, since then it's been locked away in a garage in the Manchester area.
"If you've ever wanted a unique or unusual Bentley then this really is it.
"Obviously it needs a lot of work doing to it, which could cost a six figure sum, but 18 months down the line you could have something very special."
And with Bentley celebrating its centenary year in 2019, the model could attract even more interest.
Mr Jones added: "This is the ultimate Bentley barnfind in the marque's centenary year.
"It is a really wonderful discovery for all fans of the marque made even more special in the make's 100th birthday year."
The sale takes place on March 20.
