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 a McLaren F1, which he famously crashed twice, an Aston Martin V8 Zagato, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Bentley Mulsanne Birkin Edition, and a BMW 328.
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.
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.
‘This is the very car that starred in those unforgettable scenes,’ Iconic Auctioneers said.
The iconic 9600 HP was originally supplied to the USA in left-hand-drive form before returning to the UK in 1989.
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 iconic 9600 HP was the very first Jaguar E-type fixed-head coupe to be registered which cemented its place in motoring history, famously being driven by Jaguar PR Director, Bob Berry, across Europe overnight to make the opening of the 1961 Geneva Motor Show.
‘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.
‘That launch car, chassis No. 2, finished in Opalescent Gunmetal Grey and registered 9600 HP, would go on to become one of the most celebrated E-Types of all time.’
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.
