A classic car dealer is selling the perfect Jubilee gift for a patriotic petrolhead - the union flag-covered Jaguar E-Type used by Austin Powers.
The stylish 1970 convertible was one of two Jaguars used by film studios for the 1999 comedy ‘The Spy who Sh***d Me’. The classic car went under a full restoration in 1999 and has been driven just 6,500 miles since filming finished. It is now being offered for sale by Dutch dealer ER Classics for £71,000, just in time for this weekend's Diamond Jubilee.
Under the bonnet of the 42-year-old car is a 4.2-litre engine which developed 265bhp when the car went on sale. This gave it a 0-60mph time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 142mph.
While it isn't exactly quick by today's standards, the Jaguar E-Type retains its timeless beauty - albeit with a more patriotic paint job.
“It is a very rare and unique Jaguar and has the same potential as one of James Bond's Aston Martins to be very a good investment,” said current owner Ernest Praag. "Now being in Europe instead of the USA, the car is finally getting closer to its final destination, the United Kingdom.
"As an investment or for promotional use this car is now maybe even more interesting with the London Olympics coming up this summer."
Graham Searle, the manager of the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club, added: "Enzo Ferrari said the Jaguar E-Type was the most beautiful car and it is the only car in the New York Museum of Modern Art.
"There is certain kudos with a film car so have a Series Two E-Type like this with its provenance is a good price. The car looks like it would be a good buy, as long as you can live with the paint job. If you want to be patriotic, it is a great car for this weekend."
