When you think of Rowan Atkinson and cars, your mind likely conjures the image of a certain acid-green Mini, haplessly navigating life’s little disasters. But shift gears for a moment. Imagine something sleeker, faster, and infinitely more beautiful, yet still caught in a whirlwind of trademark Atkinson chaos. That’s precisely what’s on offer, as the comedian’s personal 1963 Jaguar E-Type, a co-star in his global Netflix hit Man vs Bee, is heading to auction.
This isn’t just any classic car; it’s a vehicle with a very peculiar, very public, and very funny story. In the series, which captivated audiences for over 25 million viewing hours, Atkinson’s character wages a destructive war against a single, infuriating bee. The battlefield? A luxurious modern home. The collateral damage? This magnificent Jaguar E-Type. On-screen, the car portrayed the legendary ‘9600 HP’ and suffered a barrage of comic indignities that would make any classic car enthusiast wince. It endured a shattered rear window, a flaming dashboard, and even the unique horror of having a diamond cutter slice through its elegant bodywork. One could say it had a rather buzzy on-screen experience.
But fear not, for beneath the Hollywood hijinks lies a truly exceptional machine. This 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-litre Coupé is offered directly from Rowan Atkinson’s personal collection. Finished in its original, achingly beautiful Opalescent Gunmetal Grey, its story began in the USA as a left-hand-drive model before it made its way back to the UK in 1989.Since its homecoming, the car has enjoyed a life of care, being converted to right-hand drive and undergoing extensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration. This included fresh chrome fittings and a fully retrimmed interior with new seats, door cards, and carpets. For the purists, it importantly retains its original matching-numbers engine block, though a replacement cylinder head has been fitted. A matching-numbers car, where the chassis and engine numbers are the original factory pairing, is significantly more desirable and valuable to collectors as it proves authenticity.
Following its dramatic role, the Jaguar was “sensitively repaired,” with a new rear window and dashboard fitted to erase the evidence of its fiery on-screen encounter.However, a small, “discreetly panelled area on the nearside rear quarter” remains, a subtle scar and a fantastic conversation starter hinting at its television past.
The car’s on-screen identity as ‘9600 HP’ is a brilliant nod to one of the most famous Jaguars ever made. The original 9600 HP was the very first E-Type fixed-head coupe. In a now-legendary feat of determination, Jaguar’s PR Director Bob Berry famously drove it overnight across Europe to ensure it made the opening of the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. Its sensational debut stunned the world, setting a new benchmark for automotive style and performance. With a top speed over 150mph, it was the fastest production car in the world, prompting Enzo Ferrari himself to declare it “the most beautiful car ever made.” While Atkinson’s car is not the original, its portrayal links it to this incredible piece of motoring history.
Now, this unique blend of motoring heritage and screen stardom is set to go under the hammer. Iconic Auctioneers will feature the Jaguar in its Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show on November 8th, 2025.Nick Whale, Chairman of Iconic Auctioneers, notes it “offers a rare convergence of British motoring heritage and contemporary film,” making it a vehicle that “encapsulates everything that excites serious collectors, authenticity, provenance and character.”
Tarmac Takeaway
For those looking to acquire this piece of history, viewing will be available from Friday, November 7th. Bidding can be done in the saleroom, over the phone, or online. This E-Type represents a rare chance to own not just one of Britain’s most beautiful sports cars, but one with the impeccable provenance of being owned by a comedy icon and scarred by a battle with a digital bee. One can only hope the new owner has better luck with insects.
