Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motors is recalling 480 of its top-of-the-range models after leaking fuel vapours caused one of the vehicles to explode at a US dealership.

Rolls-Royce said the £250,000 Corniche convertible exploded after the car had been refuelled. The fuel vapour had been ignited after the electric window had been operated. A mechanic, who was in the vehicle at the time, suffered minor injuries.

All 2000 and 2001 models of the Corniche and the Continental range, including the R, T, Azure and SC, made at the Crewe plant are being recalled for repairs by dealers. Production of the cars has also been modified to fix the fault.