HRH Prince Michael of Kent’s 1965 Jaguar E-Type comes to auction

Stunning Series I Coupé stars at Historics’ summer sale on Saturday 19th July

1965 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 litre Series I Fixedhead Coupé
Delivered new to HRH Prince Michael of Kent
Exceptional condition with three-year restoration
Superb documented history
Estimate: £130,000-£150,000

Without doubt, one of the most iconic and desirable classic cars ever produced, the Jaguar E-Type stands as a symbol of British automotive excellence. Following its 1961 launch, it never lacked admiring eyes... including those of His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent.

On 12th April 1965, Prince Michael - then aged 22 -  took delivery of a 1965 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 litre Series I Fixedhead Coupé. Now, 60 years later, this pristine, much-pampered motor car with a wonderful history comes to auction with Historics on 19th July at Windsorview Lakes - fittingly a short distance from Windsor Castle.

This exceptional example of Jaguar’s timeless design masterpiece, which remains highly prized among car enthusiasts and collectors, can best be described as ‘a Royal Legacy Reborn’. Bearing the registration number DWK 464C, it carries with it a unique history, distinguished by royal provenance and a storied past. 

The car was first registered in Germany while His Royal Highness served in the Army with the 11th Hussars. Demonstrating his spirited enthusiasm whilst there, he reportedly was accustomed to taking full advantage of the limit-free and sparsely-occupied autobahns, reaching speeds in the Jaguar of up to an indicated 150mph.

Nevertheless, this was not the start of Prince Michael’s lifelong enthusiasm for motoring. In an interview in 2013, he alluded to his early passion for driving when, as a child, he persuaded visitors to allow him to drive their car on the lengthy private driveway of his home at the time near Windsor Castle.  It is said to have resulted in the young prince driving some 60 different cars up and down the driveway by the time he was 15. 

Further signs of the Prince’s enduring passion include driving the E-Type around the infamous 13-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife track in Germany and at the Goodwood motor circuit in Sussex.

Notable occasions there include a 2011 reunion with the then Lord March at the Goodwood Revival meeting, where he drove the car for a lap of the circuit, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the E-Type. Significantly, Prince Michael had originally driven to Goodwood in 1965 to familiarise himself with the car, at which time Lord March, then aged 10, was his passenger.

In 1987, after ownership changes and with its royal provenance forgotten, the E-Type was acquired by Brett Redshaw, who embarked on a comprehensive three-year ground-up restoration by marque specialists Roland Stoate Coachworks of Reading.  

Through research and collaboration with Jaguar Heritage and the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club, Redshaw uncovered the car's Royal origins. Letters and photographs were exchanged with Kensington Palace, and the Prince confirmed his ownership, even sharing photographs of the car during his time in Germany.

Following its restoration, the car changed hands several times before being reunited with Prince Michael in 2010 at a Jaguar event at Highclere Castle, courtesy of the then-owner, when he revisited cherished memories, driving the car for the first time in 40 years.  

Today, this regal Jaguar E-Type – showing less than 35,000 miles - is in impeccable condition, retaining its original Opalescent Green paintwork and delightful light tan interior. It is accompanied by a wealth of documentation, including correspondence from Kensington Palace, press features and photographs from various events, underscoring its rich history and Royal connection. 

For sale at Historics ‘Summer Serenade’ sale at Windsorview Lakes in Berkshire on Saturday 19th July, the car is estimated at £130,000-£150,000.

For full details of this and all 170 varied entries, plus pre-sale viewing days and registration to bid, see www.historics.co.uk.