IT IS the kind of Italian dream machine that any racing car enthusiast would love to acquire.

But anyone tempted to make an offer for this Maserati T60, owned by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, would need very deep pockets.

The gleaming red car is thought to be worth at least £1m, making it one of the most expensive vehicles in the UK.

Its value has soared since it was built in 1959, when it cost less than £4,000 and was described as "relatively affordable".

Generous Currently on show at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, the vehicle is receiving plenty of admiring glances from people who can only dream of sitting behind the wheel.

Museum supervisor Jonathan Richardson said: "It's a wow car that attracts a lot of interest from visitors who are in the know. Nick is a trustee of the museum and a good friend to the attraction. He's very generous in loaning cars so that others can enjoy them as well."

The drummer is also exhibiting two other vehicles from his stable of high performance cars.

A 2004 Ferrari Enzo and a 1988 Ferrari F40 will form part of the "Supercars" exhibition that opens at the end of next month.

The 64-year-old musician races several classic cars and has competed in the famous endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

His Maserati is sandwiched between a Ford GT40 and a 1967 Lotus that was used by the legendary Graham Hill.

T60s have a low slung body that hides a strong space-frame made up of tiny welded steel tubes that gave the model its nickname, The Birdcage.

Built in an era when sports car racing was in decline, the car's rarity value has helped push up its value.

However, at least two other vehicles in the museum's world famous collection are also thought to be worth about £1m.

Golden Arrow smashed the world land speed record at Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1929 and Bluebird also set a new record in early 1960s.