A RARE classic car which was hidden from the Nazis and later smuggled out of the Soviet Union has sold for more than £5million.

The 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster was stashed away by its owner at the outbreak of World War Two.

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The 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster was stashed away at the start of World War TwoCredit: RMSothebys/BNPS

It was found in Soviet-controlled East Berlin in 1949 and eventually made its way to Russia.

The Mercedes was purchased in 1964 by a translator living in Moscow, who smuggled it out three years later by driving it over the border into Sweden.

The car was then sold to a US collector in California.

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It was found in Soviet-controlled East Berlin in 1949 and eventually made its way to RussiaCredit: RMSothebys/BNPS

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The car was then sold to a US collector in CaliforniaThe Mercedes, which boasts a 5.4litre engine, has now sold for $6.6million (£5.3million) at an auction in Arizona, US.

A spokesman for auctioneers RM Sotheby’s said: “The 540 K Special Roadster is regarded by many as the high point of the classic era among German automobiles.

“It reflected the restless pursuit of perfection by Mercedes-Benz’s engineers, technicians, craftsmen, and coachbuilders.

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The Mercedes, which boasts a 5.4litre engine, has now sold for $6.6million (£5.3million) at an auction in ArizonaCredit: RMSothebys/BNPS

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eBay blocked the auction of a 1941 model as the reportedly once belonged to Nazi Hermann Goering
“It is among the most instantly recognisable, valuable, and desirable of all automobiles built during the classic era, and acquiring one is an instant mark of discerning taste and prestige for any collector.

“It has a wonderful story and is an excellent restoration.

“We are delighted with the price it achieved.”