Following the end of Mecum‘s first weekend in Kissimmee, we’re eagerly anticipating the next few days and the main attractions that will cross the auction block. There are an unbelievable number of seven-figure cars being offered for sale, all of which have significant histories so we’re going to take a look at two in particular that should bring lots of bids.
The Jaguar E-Type, also known as the XK-E, is a renowned British sports car that represents sophistication, speed, and innovation. It was first introduced in 1961 with design by Malcolm Sayer and engineering led by William Heynes. Inspired by Jaguar’s racing legacy, particularly the D-Type, its sleek curves and long hood exude elegance. The vehicle came equipped with an impressive inline-six engine, later upgraded to a V12, which allowed it to reach top speeds of over 150 mph. This blend of style, performance, and affordability made it a worldwide sensation. Enzo Ferrari even went so far as to call it “the most beautiful car ever made.” Its lasting impact on automotive history remains unquestionable.
However, the E-Type being offered by Mecum in Kissimmee that we’re looking at is no ordinary E-Type – it’s the “Shaguar” as seen in the Austin Powers series of movies. Surprisingly, at least to many film buffs, this is the only Shaguar ever built and appeared in all three of the Austin Powers movies.
It’s being offered from long-term ownership following the conclusion of the movies and includes authentication letters from Josh Hancock, Picture Car Coordinator, and Ray Claridge of Cinema Vehicle Services.
As it is literally the only one of these in the world, it’s a solid bet that it will bring a good bit more from bidders compared to a standard E-Type but it’s difficult to put an exact number on it. While it may not be a completely accurate comparison, we did see the Porsche 928 from Risky Business sell for $1.98 million at Barrett-Jackson back in 2021 which is a very high premium compared to any other 1979 Porsche 928. Will this eponymous Shaguar prove to be as impressive at auction as the Porsche? Tough to say, but we’ll find out this weekend at Mecum’s Kissimmee sale.
The Ford GT40 MkI Road Car is a scarce and storied variation of the iconic GT40, a car that was initially conceived to conquer endurance racing and take on Ferrari at Le Mans. Unveiled in the 1960s, the GT40 MkI Road Car was fundamentally a road-legal iteration of the competition car, boasting a slightly upgraded interior and a toned-down version of its potent V8 engine. A limited quantity of these vehicles were manufactured, mainly to satisfy regulatory requirements for racing. Although it was modified for everyday driving, the road car preserved much of the unbridled energy and assertive design of its track-oriented counterpart, rendering it an emblem of Ford’s technical expertise and motorsport legacy. Nowadays, it is a highly coveted treasure among collectors, cherished for its scarcity, capabilities, and ties to one of the most epic rivalries in motorsport.
The car being offered by Mecum in Kissimmee is one of just 31 examples of the GT40 MkI Road Car produced. It was the first to be delivered to a private customer and also the first delivered to the UK. It has a well-documented ownership history and has been restored to its original specifications.
Remarkably it still retains its original body panels and matching-numbers transmission, very impressive for a car that was raced by its later owners. Its FIA Historic Vehicle Identity paperwork lists it as a 1965 model year as construction began in ’65, though it wasn’t completed until 1966, so it qualifies to compete in FIA-sanctioned historic races as a 1965 Ford GT40 MkI.
Ford GT40s are big money cars and a street-legal variant such as this, especially retaining so much original equipment means this will be a very tempting opportunity for bidders when it crosses the auction block in Kissimmee.
What's Next for Mecum?
After their Kissimmee auction finishes up the team at Mecum will be hard at work prepping for their Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction that will be held from January 31 to February 1.