Sir Winston's coffin was carrried in the hearse

The 1964 Austin VA135 Princess Hearse was bought at Christie's in London for just under �6,000.

Alveston-based Memorial Woodlands in Bristol, plans to return the vehicle to service once it has been restored.

Wayne Armstrong, from the company, said restoration was already under way.

"We became aware of the hearse last week and put in some bids.

"It's been transported here already. It's a lovely 1964 Princess - very pretty.

"We like to think we are preserving a bit of heritage."

The car was last taxed and used in 1991.

The auction, of about 20 vehicles, raised a total of �1.6m.

Sir Winston, who died in 1965, was laid to rest in the Oxfordshire parish churchyard of Bladon, close to Blenheim Palace where he was born 90 years earlier.