Vintage E-Type Jaguar that Rowan Atkinson smashed up in Netflix show Man vs Bee goes up for auction

Rowan Atkinson is selling his old Jaguar E-Type, which he totaled as part of a scene in his Netflix show.

The classic car has since been restored and released directly from the actor’s personal collection.

The 70-year-old Mr Bean actor is a well-known car enthusiast who has a large collection of high-performance and luxury cars.

His collection includes the famous McLaren F1, which he crashed twice, Aston Martin V8 Zagato, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley Mulsanne Birkin Edition and BMW 328.

It will now part ways with the 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-litre Coupé that was destroyed in the Netflix show Man vs Bee.

The series, which has been watched for more than 25 million hours worldwide, tells the story of Atkinson’s unfortunate character who causes havoc in a luxurious house while trying to defeat a bee.

One of the most memorable scenes shows the Jaguar suffering comical destruction, from a shattered rear window to a burning dashboard and even a diamond cutter slicing through its bodywork.

‘This is the very car that starred in unforgettable scenes,’ said Iconic Auctioneers.

One of the most memorable scenes shows the Jaguar suffering comical destruction, from a shattered rear window to a burning dashboard and even a diamond cutter slicing through its bodywork.

Following its on-screen role, the car was sensitively restored with a new rear window and dashboard; only the discreetly paneled area in the rear quarter hints at its television past

The iconic 9600 HP was first supplied to the USA in left-hand drive before returning to the UK in 1989.

Following its on-screen role, the car was sensitively restored with a new rear window and dashboard; only the discreetly paneled area in the rear quarter hints at its television past.

Finished in the original Opalescent Gunmetal Gray colour, the model has been described as Britain’s ‘most beautiful sports car’.

It was converted to right-hand drive and benefited from extensive cosmetic and mechanical work, including new chrome hardware, a restyled interior with new seats, door cards and carpets.

The vehicle retains its original matching number engine block with the replacement cylinder head installed.

The listing reads: ‘The iconic 9600 HP was the first registered Jaguar E-type fixed-head coupe and cemented its place in motoring history; It was driven overnight across Europe by the famous Jaguar PR Director Bob Berry to open the 1961 Geneva Motor Show.

‘The car’s sensational debut attracted global attention and set new standards in performance and style.

‘With a top speed in excess of 150 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just seven seconds, it was the fastest production car in the world.

‘Enzo Ferrari declared it ‘the most beautiful car ever made.’

‘This launch car is chassis no. 2, finished in Opalescent Gunmetal Gray and registered 9600 HP, will remain one of the most famous E-Types of all time.’

Watched for more than 25 million hours worldwide, Man vs Bee follows Atkinson’s hapless character who wreaks havoc in a luxury home while trying to outwit a bee.

Finished in the original Opalescent Gunmetal Gray color, the model was described as England’s ‘most beautiful sports car’.

The iconic 9600 HP was first supplied to the USA in left-hand drive before returning to the UK in 1989.

On 9 November NEC will go under the hammer unconditionally with Iconic Auctioneers in Birmingham

Auctioneer Nick Whale said: ‘This E-Type offers a rare combination of British motoring heritage and contemporary cinema, making it a real showstopper.

‘It is remarkable to be able to introduce a car owned by Rowan Atkinson and featured in a Netflix series watched worldwide.

‘It encapsulates everything that excites serious collectors – originality, provenance and character – in one of the most admired models ever produced.’

It will go under the hammer unconditionally with Iconic Auctioneers at the NEC in Birmingham on 9 November.