The doctor of Indian history collected more than 160 of the British vehicles before his death.

Dr Flynn's collection - which also includes Cadillacs, LaSalles, Buicks, rare number plates and enough parts to fill 14 shipping containers - will be auctioned by Exoticars and Slattery Auctions on November 18 and 19.

Exoticars director Chris Smith said Dr Flynn was particularly partial to the Rover as it was the car driven by his mother, Tattersalls heiress Jean Marie Flynn (nee Adams), and Queen Elizabeth.

"They range from dreadfully unkempt to beautifully presented," he said.

"He gave them all names. Debra, Elaine, Boris, all these different names, and that's how he identified the cars.

"What I see is a lifelong passion driven by the word Rover."

Bidders from Sweden, England, Germany and New Zealand will attend the auction to bid on items including a 1949 Rover Cyclops and a rare right-hand drive chauffeur-driven 1934 Cadillac bought by Dr Flynn in tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Mr Smith said much of the auction was affordable and within the price of casual or would-be collectors.

"Even if you're not a true enthusiast and you've got children, you might even buy one for one of your next generation as an asset to hold because they won't be outrageously priced," he said.

"You can buy your number plate, your car - modestly-priced I might add because they're sold unreserved - and the spare parts you might need, all in the one place."

A large portion of the profits will go towards providing an education for students in India.

"Dr Flynn was a philanthropist of the highest order," Mr Smith said.

"He didn't just collect cars and keep them and hoard things to himself, he disposed of things when they achieved a certain value to fund his philanthropy in India."

Auction items will be open for inspection on Friday November 17 and Saturday November 18.