Staffordshire auctioneer set to sell iconic car – found in a barn…

A rare 1972 Jaguar E-Type found in a Staffordshire barn is set to be auctioned by Cuttlestones on November 28th.

When an auctioneer talks about a ‘barn find’ you’d be forgiven for thinking of a vintage tractor, some archaic agricultural machinery or a large item of antique furniture that’s been stowed away for decades at the back of a dusty farm building. You might not expect the item in question to be one of the most iconic cars of the 20^th Century.

But that’s exactly what was uncovered in a Staffordshire barn recently – and local auction house Cuttlestones has been appointed to sell the 1972 Jaguar E-Type as part of its Autumn Antique auction on Thursday 28^th November.

When it rolled off the production line in 1961, the E-Type Jag redefined expectations of what could be expected from a relatively affordable sports car. Its classic good looks, prowess on the racetrack and top speed of 150mph made it one of the most sought-after cars of the 60s, with George Harrison, Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtis and Elton John ranking among celebrity owners. With production coming to a close in 1974, the E-Type was destined to become an icon – revered for its timeless design and exceptional performance to this day.

Despite needing some attention to its bodywork and a good mechanical overhaul, the classic car is expected to generate considerable interest from collectors across the globe, as Cuttlestones’ MD and Head Auctioneer, Ben Gamble, explains:

“One of the best things about working in an auction house is that you never know what’s going to come through the door next.

While we get a fair few classic cars and motorbikes through the doors, Jaguar E-Types are not consigned everyday – and certainly not ones that have lain forgotten at the back of a barn for years. All I can say is that I wish it had been my barn this had been found in!”

The E-Type Jag will go under the hammer during Cuttlestones’ Thursday 28^th November Autumn Antiques auction, which will also feature an impressive collection of watches – including several Rolex and a Gold ‘Rolls Royce’ watch.

The catalogue will be available at www.cuttlestones.co.uk from Friday 22^nd November with bidding in the room, by commission, on the telephone or live online through  www.easyliveauction.com/

Consignments are still being taken.