Iconic 1963 Jaguar E-Type Owned by Rowan Atkinson Set for No-Reserve Auction

Globally recognized actor Rowan Atkinson, celebrated for his comedic roles, is preparing to part ways with a highly significant piece of automotive history. The vehicle in question is his perfectly maintained 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-Litre Coupe. This particular car is not merely a testament to engineering excellence and design artistry; it also carries the unique distinction of having been involved in a minor incident during the production of his recent comedy series, 'Man vs Bee'.

Following the aforementioned occurrence, the E-Type underwent an exhaustive and meticulous restoration process. As a genuine classic car enthusiast and connoisseur, Mr. Atkinson personally oversaw the work to ensure the vehicle was returned to its peak operational and aesthetic condition, strictly adhering to factory specifications. The sole subtle evidence of its cinematic career remains in the rear wing: Mr. Atkinson chose not to completely erase the hole he personally made, instead requesting that the excised section be expertly reinserted into the wing—a charming and undeniable memento of his starring role.

The direct involvement and ownership history provided by a figure of Atkinson's stature substantially enhances the vehicle's provenance for prospective buyers, lending significant weight to its history. The enduring appeal of the E-Type is well-documented; the legendary Enzo Ferrari famously declared it "the most beautiful car ever made." This allure stems not only from its storied past but also from its sublime combination of breathtaking aesthetics and performance capabilities that were truly impressive for its time.

This specific chassis, which was originally configured for left-hand drive (LHD), has been professionally converted to right-hand drive (RHD), a modification often preferred within the UK market. Critically, the car retains its factory-original, matching-numbers engine block, a prerequisite for serious collectors seeking authenticity. The Series I models, manufactured between 1961 and 1968, are universally regarded as the purest expression of Malcolm Sayer's aerodynamic vision. These early versions are identifiable by their characteristic covered headlights and smaller taillights when compared to later iterations.

The 3.8-liter engine fitted in this model originally generated a formidable output of approximately 265 horsepower. This power allowed the vehicle to achieve a maximum speed approaching 150 miles per hour—a truly astonishing and groundbreaking metric for the early 1960s. It is worth recalling that the E-Type's initial unveiling at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show generated such overwhelming and unprecedented demand that Jaguar reportedly struggled for years to fulfill the incoming orders.

This particular coupe is scheduled to be offered for sale without a reserve price, a bold decision designed to allow the market to determine its true, unadulterated value based purely on demand. The auction is set to take place on November 8, 2025, at the NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham. The absence of a reserve makes the upcoming sale especially intriguing, as the final hammer price will be entirely dependent on the bidding dynamics, underscoring the seller's confidence in the exceptional desirability of this specific Series I E-Type example, coming directly from a renowned public figure's private collection.