A LAST-of-its-kind taxi from the 1920's used to store explosives will be put up for auction in Chippenham next week (June 16-18).

The unique 1928 Morris model G taxi, the last surviving example of its kind and is expected to be sold for £25,000-£26,000, will be one of the star attractions at the latest Richard Edmonds Auctions sale - Europe's largest auctioneer of automobilia.

The three day auction, also showcasing 16 Austin 7s, a 1953 formula 3 racing car and the taxis the 1939 Austin 12/4 Low Loader and a rare saloon version of a 1932 Austin 12/4 High Lot, will take place at Allington, just outside Chippenham and close to the M4 junction 17.

Speaking on the fact that more than 1,000 lots will be on sale over the three days, auctioneer Richard Edmonds said: “This is the most cars we have ever sold at a single auction. We have over 80 cars, 20-plus motorcycles and 1,500 lots of automobilia and spare parts. I think the taxis could be the real stars but you never know. It is pretty rare to see 16 Austin 7s all at the same auction.”

The Morris taxi, one of only 840 ever built, spent many years packed with enough high explosives to bring down a large building. The car's present owner bought it from a farmer on Salisbury Plain who had no idea that the shells were still packed with explosives and the bomb disposal unit were quickly called.

Next Thursday vintage and classic car spares will be on offer followed by 1,050 lots of automobilia and petroliana on Friday, with motor cars, motor cycles and commercial vehicles sold the day after.