Inspector Morse fans have launched a campaign to ensure that the television character's classic Jaguar car is made available to lovers of the series.

The Morse Society intends to make a bid for the burgundy 1959 Mark II Jaguar, driven by the late John Thaw in the detective series, when it is auctioned in London next month.

The car was won by Oxford solicitor James Worth in a competition in November. He sold it to a work colleague who, in turn, has decided to auction it.

Antony Richards, founder and president of the Morse Society, has attempted to buy the car from both of its previous owners. He said: "The car has been sold very quickly for a profit, but we want to make sure it is looked after and displayed to fans as often as possible.

"We are hoping it will not fall into the hands of a private individual or, even worse, taken abroad, because fans of the series would want to see the car and it would be a pity if that was not possible."

The society's 700 members will be asked to make a donation towards a fund to bid for the car when it is auctioned by Coys of Kensington, at the London Business Centre in Upper Street, Islington, on April 30.

The Jaguar has been restored in advance of the auction because it was never in as good condition as it appeared on screen. The chrome and interior of the vehicle were in a poor condition before the restoration and it had to be pushed around for the first two series because its engine did not work.