TWO classic Ferrari sports cars are expected to raise up to '£8million' when they're auctioned off in aid of the RNLI later this year.

The cars, a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT short-wheelbase Berlinetta, and a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, were recently unveiled at Poole's RNLI open day.

Both Ferraris are the bequest of businessman Richard Colton, who died earlier this year after making his millions in the footwear industry.

The cars were said to be his pride and joy, and he drove them thousands of miles across Europe. Mr Colton will have a RNLI lifeboat named after him and his wife Caroline.

The estimated sale price for each of the cars is between £2and £6million, making it one of the largest bequests ever received by the maritime rescue charity.

A recent sale of two similar vehicles made a total of £8million.

RNLI legacy manager Guy Rose said: "Leaving a legacy in a will is a very personal decision so we are humbled that Mr Colton chose the RNLI as the beneficiary of the sale of his two prized Ferraris.

"The proceeds will go towards helping our volunteer lifeboat crews save lives at sea."

In its day the Ferrari GT SWB Berlinetta was the fastest 3-litre GT racing car money could buy, and was driven by greats such as Stirling Moss and Phil Hill. Today it is included on many experts' list of 'most beautiful cars in the world'.

Meanwhile, the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is widely regarded as the best all-round GT car of the 1960s. Notable owners included the Hollywood legend Steve McQueen.

Simon Hope, chairman of H&H Classics - the classic car auction house conducting the sale at Duxford's Imperial War Museum on October 14 - said: "These stunning motorcars have been with Richard Colton for 40 years and meant a very great deal to him.

"So we are absolutely committed to realising the maximum amount for the cars. It promises to be an historic sale."

Richard Colton was a Northamptonshire-based businessman who made his millions in footwear distribution. He was also a prominent member of the V12 section of the Ferrari Owners' Club.