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Mussolini's limousine up for grabs on online auction
DPA

Toronto, Sep 28 (DPA) A 1939 Lancia Astura custom built for wartime Italian Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini is to be auctioned on the Internet this week, the Italian language Toronto-based daily Corriere Canadese reported Wednesday.

The car is described as "an immaculate representation of Italian engineering featuring a four speed manual transmission powered by a massive three litre V8 engine that runs beautifully". 

A Canadian NGO, the SickKids foundation, is selling the car on eBay. It aims to devote all proceeds to charity.

The Pininfarina-designed one of a kind limousine features "dark blue leather seat cushions" and "a series of distinctive and functional pockets and compartments scattered throughout both the front and rear seating area".

"This beautiful antique is an amalgamation of both political and automotive history, combining both luxury and functionality inside and out, an undeniable automotive treat for both the collector and the driver alike," said sickkidsauctions.com, which also published dozens of photographs of the car.

On display at a Niagara Falls Automobile museum until 1962, the car was donated to SickKids by a private collector.

Bidding is open to all international bidders and runs for 10 days, beginning Friday, Sep 30.

Reports in Italy said the car's starting price could be set as high as 500,000 euros.

In May, a six-year-old Volkswagen Golf once owned by Pope Benedict XVI sold for 188,938 euros on eBay.

Indo-Asian News Service