The JCB digger that made history for its spectacular role in the world's biggest attempted jewel robbery has been sold at auction for GBP10,200 (USD18,700).

About 200 people bid on the 1992 3CX Sitemaster Backhoe Loader, which went under the hammer still bearing the damage it suffered during the amazing James Bond-style heist four years ago (Forkliftaction.com News #149).

The highest bidder was Brian Holmes, a Derbyshire-based property developer, who is chairman of Nottinghamshire non-league high-flyers Hucknall Town Football Club. Mr Holmes plans to make the machine the star of the show at the club's home ground.

"I'm very proud to own this very special machine. When I discovered it was going to go under the hammer I realised it would be a piece of history. It will be ideal to take pride of place outside my club's ground," he said.