A rare car auction in the UK this week will see the sale of a private collection of 16 vintage cars that includes one once owned by the Queen Mother and another linked to pop royalty.

Hansons auction house is expected to hold the sale of the ‘world’s best collection’ of 16 vintage Humber vehicles on Friday, April 17 (UK time) owned by Allan Marshall, 64, from Hull, England.

The collection has been 60 years in the making, first by Allan’s father Reg and then by him, but because of spiralling maintenance and storage costs Marshall is selling the 16 vintage cars.

Humber Limited was listed as a manufacturer of cars, bicycles and motorcycles in 1887 and owned by Thomas Humber. Humbers are claimed to be the first series production cars made in England. Produced in Beeston, near Nottingham, Stoke and Coventry, they gained admiration for their robust quality and reliability.

Marshall said: “I don’t really want to let them go, they’re so special to me. It has taken me decades to build up the best collection of Humber vehicles in the world. They’re unmatched anywhere. But I’m in my 60s now and I won’t be here forever. Ideally, I’d love to see them sold as one lot and put on public display to be enjoyed by everyone.”

Marshall’s cars could fetch between £200,000- £250,000 (NZ$410,000-$513,000) for the collection thanks to their star quality - and rarity. The first Humber car was produced in 1898 in Beeston, Notts. Less than 1 per cent of the vehicles still exist, the lowest survival rate of any British car manufacturer.

One vehicle being sold belonged to the Queen Mother. The 1952 Super-Snipe MKIII delivered her to church during the reign of her husband, King George VI, and bears a lasting memento. Her fingernails are believed to have made marks on the grab handles inside the car.

One of Marshall’s favourite Humbers, a 1930s Snipe, found in a Northamptonshire scrapyard, was used by Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson, later known as the Duchess of Windsor. The British king’s plan to marry the American divorcée caused a constitutional crisis that led to his abdication.

Marshall said: “They used it to get around London in secret. Thanks to its small back window you couldn’t see who was inside. It was made for privacy.

“The Wallis Simpson Humber has always been popular with Americans because she was the closest thing they ever really had to a queen.”

Such is the importance of Marshall’s collection, American musician and film star Madonna requested use of the Wallis Simpson Humber for W.E. – a 2011 film about the royal couple.

Marshall said: “Her agent contacted me but I had to say no. They said, ‘nobody says no to Madonna’. I said I’m afraid I have to because that Humber has got its engine out at the moment’.”

Other highlights in the sale include a Humber Imperial built for King George VI, who sadly died before it could be delivered; a 1967 Imperial saloon used in 1978 film The Big Sleep starring Robert Mitchum, and a car that featured in 2015 movie A Royal Night Out. Two Humber bicycles and memorabilia relating to the famous Midlands-based car, bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer are also in the auction.

King George VI took delivery of his first Humber in 1935 and was so impressed he ordered 47 to be sent to British embassies around the world. Every prime minister of the day arrived at Downing Street in a Humber.

Rik Alexander, who is managing the sale for Hansons, said: “We are absolutely bowled over by the brilliance of Allan’s Humbers. Every single one of them has a special story, a special place in history. The royal ones are particularly magnificent. I’m expecting worldwide interest in what is a unique example of British motoring history.

“Classic cars are soaring in value and are a great investment, particularly with global markets in turmoil right now. They’re something you can rely on and enjoy. Celebrity Humber owners include Jools Holland, Richard Branson and Chris Evans, who apparently contacted Allan for advice on parts.”