In Man vs Bee, which was commissioned by Netflix and viewed more than 25 million hours worldwide, Atkinson’s hapless character wreaks havoc in a luxurious home while attempting to outwit a bee. One of the most memorable sequences sees the show’s E-type – the iconic 9600 HP – suffer comic destruction, from a shattered rear window to a flaming dashboard and even a diamond cutter slicing through its bodywork. This is the very car that starred in those unforgettable scenes and is now for sale directly from his personal ownership, offered without reserve.
In reality, it is a 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-litre Coupé, finished in Opalescent Gunmetal Grey, originally supplied to the US in left-hand-drive form before returning to the UK in 1989. Since repatriation, it has been converted to right-hand drive and treated to numerous cosmetic and mechanical improvements including new chrome fittings, interior retrim with fresh seats, door cards and carpets, and an SS exhaust system. The car retains its original matching numbers engine block, though like many early cars it now carries a replacement cylinder head.
Following its on-screen exploits, the car has been sympathetically restored and repaired, with a replacement rear window and dashboard and extra spares of both (from the film set) come with the car. The only subtle evidence of its cinematic career is on the nearside rear quarter — Mr Atkinson didn’t want to repair the hole that he personally (in character) had created, and so he asked for the section he had cut out to be rubber sealed back into the wing – a charming reminder and irrefutable proof of its starring role.
In every sense, this is an exceptional opportunity, a desirable early E-type 3.8 Coupé in the model’s most iconic colour, with impeccable provenance, celebrity ownership, and genuine screen-used status in a globally successful Netflix production. With a sequel, Man vs Baby, due for release this Christmas, its fame is set only to grow.
A truly unique example of Britain’s most beautiful sports car, offered without reserve directly from Rowan Atkinson CBE himself and goes under the hammer with Iconic Auctions at the NEC Classic Motor Show, 8th November 2025.
