Rowan Atkinson’s Legendary Jaguar E-Type from ‘Man vs. Bee’ Heads to Auction: Restoration, History, and Collector Buzz

Quick Read

• The 1963 Series I Jaguar E-Type driven by Rowan Atkinson in Netflix’s ‘Man vs. Bee’ is being auctioned by Iconic Auctioneers.
• The car was Jaguar’s first E-Type shown at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, later restored and returned to the UK.
• The vehicle underwent extensive restoration, including right-hand drive conversion, new paint, and upgraded interior.
• The auction will be held on November 8 in the UK, without a reserve price.
• Similar Jaguar E-Types have sold for over $1 million USD.

The Cult of Rowan Atkinson and the Jaguar E-Type: Why This Auction Matters

Rowan Atkinson, known worldwide for his unforgettable comic characters and sharp wit, has a long-standing love affair with classic cars. His latest automotive cameo—driving a 1963 Jaguar E-Type in Netflix’s slapstick series ‘Man vs. Bee’—has reignited interest in both the actor and the legendary vehicle. Now, fans and collectors have the chance to own a piece of this shared history, as the actual car used in the series is heading to auction in the UK.

From On-Screen Chaos to Collector’s Prize: The Jaguar’s Journey

‘Man vs. Bee’, released in 2022, is a comedy that pits Atkinson’s hapless Trevor Bingley against a relentless insect, all set against the backdrop of a luxurious mansion. The Jaguar E-Type isn’t just a prop—it’s a character in its own right, playing a pivotal role in the eighth episode. Bingley, tasked with saving the couple’s ailing dog, races across town in the Jaguar, only for the car to suffer dramatic damage: a shattered rear window and battered bodywork, adding both tension and humor to the storyline.

But the car’s story doesn’t end with its screen misadventures. The 1963 Series I Jaguar E-Type, chassis #2 (registration 9600 HP), boasts a pedigree that stretches far beyond television. It was the very first E-Type shown to the world at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, setting the standard for automotive beauty and innovation. After its time in the spotlight, the car traveled to the United States before returning to the UK in 1989, where its second life began.

Restoration: Breathing New Life Into a Classic

Upon its repatriation, the Jaguar underwent a meticulous restoration—a process that automotive enthusiasts know is both art and science. The car was converted back to right-hand drive, a crucial step for British roads and authenticity. It received a fresh coat of Opalescent Gunmetal Grey paint, restoring its original luster. Inside, new seats and carpeting were installed, blending comfort with period-correct style. An SS exhaust system was added, enhancing performance while staying true to the car’s heritage. The original engine block remains at the heart of the vehicle, though various components have been updated over the years to keep it running smoothly.

The result is a car that balances history and modernity—a physical link between the glamour of the 1960s, the slapstick of ‘Man vs. Bee’, and today’s collector market. Unlike its battered on-screen persona, the Jaguar now gleams with restored pride, ready for its next chapter.

Auction Details: What’s at Stake for Collectors and Fans

The auction, hosted by Iconic Auctioneers, is set for November 8 in the UK. Unusually, the Jaguar E-Type is offered without a reserve price. This means the market itself will determine its final value—a rare opportunity for bidders. Previous sales of similar E-Types have soared past $1 million USD, hinting that this car could command an even higher price given its celebrity connection and storied history.

For collectors, the car represents more than metal and paint—it’s a chance to own a piece of British motoring history, a link to Atkinson’s comic legacy, and a trophy of cinematic nostalgia. For fans, it’s a tangible reminder of how everyday chaos (even when delivered by a bee) can collide with the extraordinary.

Rowan Atkinson: The Man Behind the Wheel

Rowan Atkinson’s passion for cars is well documented. Beyond ‘Man vs. Bee’, he’s known for his extensive personal collection and for starring in films where vehicles play central roles. His affinity for Jaguar in particular is a recurring theme; he’s driven various models both on and off screen, appreciating their engineering and style. Atkinson’s involvement with this E-Type adds another layer of significance, merging pop culture with automotive excellence.

As the auction date approaches, anticipation grows—not just among the usual crowd of classic car investors, but also among Atkinson’s global fanbase. Social media buzz, automotive forums, and entertainment news have all picked up the story, reflecting a rare overlap between car enthusiasts and comedy lovers. The question on everyone’s mind: how high will the bidding go, and who will become the next steward of this historic vehicle?

Historical Impact: The E-Type’s Legacy

The Jaguar E-Type is often hailed as one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Its debut at Geneva in 1961 marked a turning point in automotive design, with its sleek lines and revolutionary engineering captivating audiences and critics alike. Chassis #2, now up for auction, is a tangible piece of that legacy. Its journey—from Geneva, to the US, back to the UK, onto the Netflix screen, and now into the auction spotlight—reads like a biography of modern motoring.

It’s rare for a car to embody so many layers of cultural and mechanical significance. This particular E-Type bridges eras and disciplines: from the golden age of British manufacturing, through decades of restoration, to the contemporary world of streaming entertainment.

The auction’s outcome will be watched closely by automotive historians, collectors, and fans of Atkinson alike. As bids climb, each offer is not just a financial transaction, but a vote of confidence in the enduring appeal of both the car and the man who drove it.

Looking at the facts, the upcoming auction of Rowan Atkinson’s Jaguar E-Type isn’t just about selling a car—it’s about the intersection of pop culture, automotive history, and restoration craftsmanship. The vehicle’s journey from Geneva’s spotlight to Netflix’s slapstick and back to collector prestige underscores how objects can accumulate layers of meaning over time, connecting generations through shared stories and passions.