THIS stunning Rolls Royce Silver Dawn was once owned by comic legend George Formby and has now gone on sale at a Malton classic car centre.

The Silver Dawn was bought in 1954 by the star who was then living in Lytham St Anne’s in Lancashire. In 1955 he sold the car on to a couple in London who owned it for 53 years.

The car, which has only 44,000 miles on the clock, is being sold by the Classic And Sportscar Centre at West Knapton whose director James Szkiler highlighted its former owner’s links to Ryedale.

He said: “Formby is often regarded as Britain’s most well-known and popular entertainer during the Second World War and is best known for his musical talent with the banjo.

“But a less well-known fact is that he was based in Norton, Malton as a 17-year-old trainee jockey as his father discouraged him from following his own stage career.

“When his father died in 1921 he went home for the funeral and never returned to the stables and thereon commenced his showbiz career.” He said the car had been well looked after and was in pristine condition, with a £64,995 price tag.

Mr Szkiler who believes the car will be of great interest to collectors, said: “The car does not require any cosmetic improvement having been meticulously maintained and kept in the most stunning condition.

“The engine bay is exceptionally clean, the boot area equally as smart.

“The upholstery is delightful with leather and woodwork both in outstanding condition.”

The Rolls still sports its original midnight blue over shell grey paintwork and grey leather upholstery.