British comedy legend Rowan Atkinson is parting ways with a key co-star from his Netflix hit Man vs Bee — a stunning 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-litre Coupé. The vehicle, which endured spectacular on-screen chaos in the global streaming sensation, will go under the hammer at the Iconic Auctioneers’ NEC Classic Motor Show Sale on November 8, 2025.
The E-Type, known for its mix of elegance and speed, became an unlikely victim of Atkinson’s comedic misadventures on screen, suffering everything from a shattered rear window to a flaming dashboard in the show’s climactic bee battle. Yet, behind the humor lies a masterpiece of British engineering — a car that has earned both cinematic fame and collector prestige.
A Car With Character — and a Scar to Prove It
Originally built in 1963, the Jaguar began life in the United States as a left-hand-drive model before being repatriated to the UK in 1989. It was subsequently converted to right-hand drive and underwent comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration, including a fully retrimmed interior, new chrome fittings, and fresh carpeting.
Despite its fiery fate during filming, the car has since been “sensitively repaired,” though a “discreetly panelled area” on the rear quarter remains — a subtle memento of its on-screen ordeal.
Importantly, this E-Type still carries its matching-numbers engine block, a crucial detail for collectors seeking authenticity and originality.
A Tribute to Jaguar’s Glorious Past
In Man vs Bee, Atkinson’s car played the role of the legendary ‘9600 HP’, the first E-Type fixed-head coupé that made its dramatic debut at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. That car, driven overnight across Europe by Jaguar PR chief Bob Berry, stunned the world with its beauty and performance — famously prompting Enzo Ferrari to call it “the most beautiful car ever made.”
While Atkinson’s version isn’t the original, its portrayal in the Netflix series links it to one of the most celebrated chapters in automotive history.
Iconic Auctioneers: Blending Heritage and Hollywood
The Jaguar will be offered by Iconic Auctioneers during its Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham. According to company chairman Nick Whale, the car “offers a rare convergence of British motoring heritage and contemporary film, encapsulating authenticity, provenance, and character — everything collectors look for.”
Viewing begins on Friday, November 7, with bidding available in person, via phone, or online.
Tarmac Takeaway
For car enthusiasts and collectors alike, this isn’t merely an opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored 1963 E-Type — it’s a chance to own a piece of modern pop culture. With its impeccable provenance, on-screen fame, and Atkinson’s personal ownership, this Jaguar promises to attract serious global interest.
One can only hope the next owner has better luck keeping bees — and chaos — at bay.
