A 1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 ‘flat floor’ Coupe, chassis No 40 is to be auctioned by Coys at Ascot Race Course on 26th October.

Chassis number 40 was left in a barn near Le Mans in France in 1974 and was there until discovered by Coys a few weeks ago. It has never moved although the engine was fired up some five years ago and turns over freely.

“This is a really amazing find which has got the Jaguar world really excited,” said Chris Routledge, Managing Partner at Coys, “The 1961 car is in amazing condition considering where it was left.”

He added: “But this is not the only Jaguar ‘barn find’. We are also selling an XK120 Roadster reported to have a competition history that was found in a lock-up in Essex. The last XK that we sold in this condition made over £90,000 and we expect the E-Type to do exceptionally well.”

Other cars featured in the Spirit of Motoring Auction, which takes place on October 26th at the Ascot race course on the outskirts of London, include a rare Connaught L3 racing car from the collection of heavy metal rock god Ian Hill of Judas Priest; one of the finest Jensen “Interceptors”, a Vignale FF model that the auction house has never seen before; as well as a fabulous example of early motoring: a 1925 Ford Model T Speedster.

Alongside another highly original car, a Bentley 3.5 Litre, Coys will also be offering a Bentley Eight, directly from the collection of national treasure and television legend Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Chris Routledge said: “After the landmark sale of the Douglas Potter Jaguar in April, which made headlines around the world, it is fantastic to be able to sell two more super rare Jaguars which have lain undisturbed for so many years. Alongside that, we are honoured to have been selected by one of Britain’s entertainment greats, Sir Bruce Forsyth, to handle the sale of his beloved Bentley Eight for him.”

For full details of these cars and other important entries, together with directions to the auction and viewing and sale times, please see www.coys.co.uk