GUTTED Swindon mayor Peter Stoddart only has two weeks left to cruise around in a spanking new BMW.

The silver four-litre monster was officially handed over yesterday outside the civic offices.

But the 66-year-old has only weeks left to enjoy the chauffeur-driven car as his term of office ends on May 20.

"I'm trying to make the most of it," he said. "I'm using it to go on a trip to Oxford next week."

The Tory councillor, who owns a new Vauxhall Astra, was impressed with the features of the 7 Series, which include mod cons like air conditioning and even a television.

It does not have bullet proof windows. "I'm not that unpopular," he said.

"The car is very impressive most things are run by computer."

Although the official handover was yesterday, Mr Stoddart has already used the BMW to attend engagements.

"The mayor has to have a chauffer driven car because there are four to 500 engagements to attend during the year," he said. "If you had to drive yourself to a function it would add dramatically to the stress of the occasion.

"I think it does a lot for Swindon to have the mayor in a nice car."

As the council has a good relationship with BMW they were seen as an ideal choice when the mayor's current lease ran out with Honda.

But council taxpayers don't need to worry about the cost as the lease is £250 a month the same as the last deal.

"It's a great deal you would struggle to lease a Mini for that much," said Mr Stoddart.

The 66-year-old has not always enjoyed the same sort of luxury. In 1964 he bought his first car, a Ford Anglia, which he later traded in for a Triumph Herald.

A succession of Fords followed but he has been never able to buy his dream motor a Jaguar.

"I was after one for ages but never quite managed it," he said. "However, I've always thought of cars as being just functional a way of getting from A to B."

Coun Ray Fisher (Con), who will become Mayor on May 20 and owns a metallic grey Saab, said he was already looking forward to going for a spin. "I haven't seen it but I'm very much looking forward to riding in it," he said. "It sounds magnificent."

BMW is proud to be supplying the new set of wheels.

Spokesman Natalie Wakefield said: "We're delighted the Mayor has chosen our 7 Series and we're really pleased to be able to get more involved in the community like this."

BMW 740Li

BMW describe the 7 Series as the world's best-driving luxury saloon a prestige car with the dynamics of a sports car.

The Mayor's 740Li has a four-litre petrol engine. It does 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.

The 740Li costs about £58,000.

Ben Payne