A £200,000 life-size bronze sculpture of a Morgan car, which is expected to attract visitors to Malvern from around the globe, took a step closer to becoming a reality this week.

Morgan enthusiast Roger Moran, of Suffolk, who has been working on the project for the past three years and spent about £30,000 of his own money, has now submitted a planning application to Malvern Hills District Council. He wants to place the bronze sculpture on the pavement outside the Abbey Archway, which houses the town's museum. He has commissioned top British sculptor Les Johnson to make a one fifth scale model of a car with Peter Morgan at the wheel and the company founder HSF Morgan standing alongside.

Mr Moran intends to show this to members of the council's southern area development committee before they make their decision.

The idea is being backed by Lord Montagu, who has the National Motor Museum at his Beaulieu home, and if approved is thought to be the first purpose-built living sculpture - visitors will be able to climb into the car beside Peter Morgan and become part of the sculpture.

Mr Moran, a Morgan enthusiast for 45 years who sold his beloved 1956 drophead coupe Morgan to finance the set up costs, hopes the bronze will be ready to unveil in 2009 - the year of the car company's centenary celebrations.

"I am very excited," said Mr Moran. "I feel confident that it will get planning permission. I think it will be fantastic."

Mr Moran said he had consulted with English Heritage because the Abbey Archway is a scheduled ancient monument and a grade I listed building. "It will be placed at an angle so that people will get a full view of the gateway when they approach it from the left pavement."

He said that once planning permission was granted, the Morgan Statue Foundation would be able to start raising the £200,000 needed for the life-size version.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the project can contact Mr Moran on 01502 722122.