Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's custom-made Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Pescara Spyder is now expected to fetch upwards of $1.5 million at an auction to be held in February. The rare two-seater sports car was constructed in 1935 as a gift for Mussolini, after he intervened to prevent Alfa Romeo from going into liquidation during the Great Depression.

Il Duce's car was also raced by his chauffeur in the 1936 Mille Miglia, a dangerous thousand-mile road race in Italy. The chauffeur placed an impressive 13th place.

Mussolini's car has been in Italy for almost all of its life, and was only recently brought to England where it will be auctioned. The car was recently restored to its former glory by an Italian collector, the vehicle's present owner.

Because of the vehicle's "huge historical importance", auctioneers have estimated the sale price at £600,000 to £800,000 ($1.17 million to $1.5 million). The car will be auctioned off at a classic car auction to be held at the Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire on February 27.

Just 60 of the Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Pescara Spyders were produced, and chassis number 700635 made for Mussolini is believed to be the sole surviving Spyder.

The car remained in the Mussolini family until 1972, and has since had two Italian owners. The most current owner is Dino Cognolato, a well-known Italian classic car restorer, who has restored the car beautifully, winning several awards at classic car shows.