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Jaguar D-Type: Record Holder

The most expensive Jaguar ever sold at auction is the 1955 Jaguar D-Type, which achieved a price of $21.78 million at the prestigious RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in California during the famed Pebble Beach Car Week in August 2016. The sale took place at the Portola Hotel & Monterey Conference Center, one of the most important annual stages in the global collector car market, where the world’s top cars and collectors converge.

Image Credit: RM Sotheby's

The car itself, chassis XKD 501, is arguably the most important Jaguar ever offered for sale. It is the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning car, driven by Ninian Sanderson and Ron Flockhart for the Scottish Ecurie Ecosse team, and notably the only surviving Le Mans-winning D-Type that remains largely in its original, unrestored form. That level of authenticity and racing pedigree played a major role in driving its extraordinary value.

The car also set a broader milestone, becoming not just the most expensive Jaguar, but the most expensive British car ever sold at auction at the time.

Image Credit: www.ultimatecarpage.com

As for the buyer, their identity was never publicly disclosed, which is common at this level of the market. High-value collector car purchases are often handled through private bidders, agents, or representatives, meaning anonymity is part of the process. However, it is known that the car had previously resided in a prominent American collection since 1999, suggesting it likely remained within elite collector circles.

Only a handful of D-Types were built, and even fewer have such a well-documented and successful competition history. That provenance, along with its advanced engineering, including early monocoque construction, helped drive its record-breaking value. Even today, the D-Type remains the benchmark for Jaguar collectors, with other notable models like the XKSS and E-Type trailing behind in value, but none surpassing this iconic Le Mans-winning machine.

Image Credit: New Atlas

Our Belgian partner, Classics2Drive, currently have for sale a 1957 Jaguar D-Type Recreation. This really amazing and beautiful head turner is a RHD Jaguar D-Type recreation built by Simon Dunford. Simon Dunford established Dunford Classic & Sports Car in 1990, a renowned D-Type specialist. He has built only a few replicas in full aluminium and this example here is one of those few.

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Rowan Atkinson: A True Enthusiast’s Classic Car Collection

Rowan Atkinson is best known for his iconic roles in Mr. Bean and Blackadder, but away from the screen he is a deeply passionate and highly knowledgeable classic car collector. Unlike many celebrity collectors, Atkinson is not simply an investor, he is a genuine enthusiast who drives his cars regularly and appreciates them for their engineering, performance, and heritage.

Image Credit: Millionaire Garage

One of the most famous cars in his collection was the legendary McLaren F1, widely regarded as one of the greatest supercars ever built. Atkinson owned chassis 061 and famously drove it extensively, even commuting in it. The car was involved in two separate accidents during his ownership, one of which led to one of the most expensive insurance payouts in British automotive history. Despite this, the car was meticulously repaired, and he eventually sold it for a substantial profit.

Atkinson’s tastes extend far beyond modern supercars into the golden era of British motoring. His collection has included a rare Aston Martin DB2 and the elegant Jaguar Mk VII, both of which reflect his appreciation for post-war craftsmanship and design. He is also known to favor cars that deliver a pure driving experience, often prioritizing mechanical feel over outright speed.

Image Credit: British GQ

Interestingly, Atkinson has expressed a particular fondness for cars that are slightly unconventional or underappreciated. He has owned vehicles such as the Lancia Thema 8.32, a unique collaboration featuring a Ferrari-derived V8 engine, and the Honda NSX, a car celebrated for its precision engineering and usability. His choices reveal a collector who values innovation and character as much as prestige.

What truly sets Rowan Atkinson apart in the world of classic cars is his hands-on approach and willingness to use his vehicles as intended. He has participated in track days, written about cars, and openly shared his opinions on automotive design and performance. His collection is not just a showcase of valuable machines, but a reflection of a lifelong passion for driving, making him one of the most respected celebrity car enthusiasts in the world.