A rare Jaguar with a rock and roll providence that was discovered rusting beneath a Surrey hedge could raise £100,000 at auction today.
The red Jaguar Series One E-Type, previously owned by the designer of the Beatles’ logo, has not been driven for 45 years and was found in awful condition in Bisley, Surrey.
The vehicle came with all its original documents indicating its last MOT was in 1968.
But despite the car’s condition James Good, of auctioneers COYS, described it as a true rarity that could fetch up to £100,000 at auction.
Mr Good said: “It is rare to find a Series One E-Type of this kind that’s history is completely verifiable.
“It has never been restored and even has its original engine. We are expecting for it to go for anything between £20,000 – £100,000.”
The vehicle was first purchased in 1963 by Ivor Arbiter, the man who designed the Beatles’ iconic ‘drop T’ style logo.
It was eventually sold to Frank Riches, a motorsport enthusiast, who raced the E-Type at circuits across the UK including Brands Hatch and Oulton Park.
When Mr Riches burnt out the car’s clutch in the late 1960’s the vehicle was left to rust for 30 years in storage before being passed to COYS.
And John Vines, Managing Director of Classic Car Inspector, believes the history of the car could add significant value to the price it will go for at auction.
Mr Vines said: “It’s got providence and bidders suffer from natural human response.
“Hearing that the car used to be owned by the man who designed the Beatles logo could have a significant effect on the money the car will go for.”
The car will be auctioned on March 8 at the Spring Classics public sale at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster.
