Rowan Atkinson is selling his vintage Jaguar E-Type that he smashed up as part of a scene in his Netflix show.
The classic car has since been repaired and placed on the market directly from the actor’s personal collection.
The Mr Bean actor, 70, is a well-known car enthusiast who owns a diverse collection of high-performance and luxury cars.
His collection includes an Aston Martin V8 Zagato, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Bentley Mulsanne Birkin Edition, and a BMW 328. He most famously owned a McLaren F1, and having crashed it twice went on to sell it for £8million in 2015 – making a £7.3million profit (though one of the repair bills was a reported £900,000 and increased his annual insurance to an estimated £60,000).
Now he will part ways with his 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-litre Coupé, which was destroyed in his Netflix show Man vs Bee.
The series, viewed more than 25 million hours worldwide, features Atkinson’s hapless character wreaking havoc in a luxurious home while attempting to outwit a bee.
‘This is the very car that starred in those unforgettable scenes,’ Iconic Auctioneers said.
Rowan Atkinson will part ways with his 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-litre Coupé, which was destroyed in his Netflix show Man vs Bee
One of the most memorable sequences sees the Jaguar suffer comic destruction, from a shattered rear window to a flaming dashboard and even a diamond cutter slicing through its bodywork
Following its on-screen role, the car has been sensitively repaired with a new rear window and dashboard, with only a discreetly panelled area on the nearside rear quarter hinting at its television past
The car was originally supplied to the USA in left-hand-drive form before returning to the UK in 1989.
In its memorable appearance in the Netflix show, the is show as registration ‘9600 HP’ – the first, and arguably most valuable, E-Type of all built in 1961. In the scene, it is reported to be worth £2million.
However, the Jag used – and the one being offered to the highest bidder – is not the genuine original E-Type and is instead a ‘regular production model’ from 1963 that had been made to look like 9600 HP for the show.
Atkinson’s character goes on to shatter the rear window to a setting fire to the dashboard and even taking a diamond cutter and slicing through its bodywork.
Following its on-screen role, the car has been sensitively repaired with a new rear window and dashboard, with only a discreetly panelled area on the nearside rear quarter hinting at its television past.
Finished in its original Opalescent Gunmetal Grey, the model has been described as Britain’s ‘most beautiful sports car’.
It has been converted to right-hand drive and benefited from extensive cosmetic and mechanical work, including new chrome fittings, a retrimmed interior with fresh seats, door cards and carpets.
The car retains its original matching-numbers engine block, with a replacement cylinder head fitted.
Its listing says: ‘The car’s sensational debut captured global attention, setting new standards of performance and style.
‘With a top speed exceeding 150mph and 0-60mph in just seven seconds, it was the fastest production car in the world.
‘Enzo Ferrari declared it ‘the most beautiful car ever made.’
Man vs Bee, viewed more than 25 million hours worldwide, features Atkinson’s hapless character wreaking havoc in a luxurious home while attempting to outwit a bee
Finished in its original Opalescent Gunmetal Grey, the model has been described as Britain’s ‘most beautiful sports car’
The iconic car was originally supplied to the USA in left-hand-drive form before returning to the UK in 1989
It will go under the hammer without reserve with Iconic Auctioneers at the NEC, Birmingham on November 9
Auctioneer Nick Whale said: ‘This E-Type offers a rare convergence of British motoring heritage and contemporary film, making it a true standout.
‘To be able to present a car personally owned by Rowan Atkinson and featured in a globally watched Netflix series is remarkable.
‘It encapsulates everything that excites serious collectors – authenticity, provenance and character – all within one of the most admired models ever built.’
It will go under the hammer without reserve with Iconic Auctioneers at the NEC in Birmingham on November 9.
