A SPORTS car bought by Diana Dors after she saw it on display at a car show is expected to sell for £575,000.

The Swindon-born screen siren, known as England’s answer to Marilyn Monroe, went along to the 1964 Earl’s Court Motor Show to get some press publicity.

And when she saw the Maserati Mistral Spyder on display she immediately fell in love with it – buying the car there and then.

The two-seat convertible bought by Dors was one of just 20 which were built in right-hand drive.

With a 3.7-litre engine developing 255bhp, the Italian sports car was capable of 0-60mph in just 6.2 seconds with a top speed of 160mph.

Dors later sold the Maserati to an Australian, who exported took it down under.

But the car is now back in the UK and will be sold by RM Sotheby’s at its Battersea sale – less than two miles from where Dors originally bought it.

Dors was the youngest person in the UK to own a Rolls-Royce when she bought one at the age of 20 – despite not being able to drive.

And her old Maserati is expected to sell for around £575,000 when it is auctioned off on September 7.

RM Sotheby’s said: “The Mistral name was intended to represent speed, and the car certainly lived up to its promise.

“When unveiled, It was considered by many to be one of Frua’s finest designs.

“The car was sold directly from the motor show stand to its first owner, Diana Dors.

“It was a case of love at first sight for Dors, who purchased the car directly off the motor show stand.

“The rare and highly desirable Mistral undoubtedly fit in with the movie star’s high-profile lifestyle.

“It has enjoyed a pampered life in the dry Australian climate and presents in excellent condition following a comprehensive restoration.

“Its next owner is able to immediately enjoy this incredibly rare car, from a time when Maserati was at the top of its game.”

“One of only 20 right-hand-drive Spyders built, the Mistral is presented in fully restored condition, and presents an outstanding ownership opportunity for enthusiasts of exotic 1960s sports cars, or for fans of British cinema of the same period.”

The Maserati is one of more than 70 cars being sold by RM Sotheby’s at its Battersea auction on September 7.

Max Girardo, managing director of RM Sotheby’s Europe, added: “We always enjoy the hugely diverse selection of cars that we offer at London.

“There is literally something for all tastes and budgets, but our commitment to offering only the best possible quality is unwavering.”