Excitement was building for the auction of a 1960 Jaguar MK IX used to transport the Princess of Wales to Pippa Middleton’s wedding. It’s understandable why, because the classic car owned by the Royal Family is beautiful in its own rite, plus it has that historical connection. But it never auctioned.
Jeremy Clarkson’s beat up old Alfa Romeo auctioned for good money.
Why exactly isn’t clear, but H&H Classics, the auction house, simply listed the vehicle as “withdrawn” and that was it. The reason why is a mystery, for now.
Image H&H Classics
There are all kinds of reasons why a car that’s up for auction might be withdrawn. Sometimes there’s a legal dispute about ownership which should have been settled before. The owner might have decided at the last minute to not sell, or there’s a problem with the reserve.
Another possibility is that someone approached the owner privately and arranged for a sale at a price the owner just couldn’t refuse.
The auction house originally estimated the classic Jaguar limousine would sell for £30,000 to £35,000. After all, it transported Catherine, Princess of Wales (she was Duchess of Cambridge back then), her children, plus Prince George and Princess Charlotte to the royal wedding.
Image H&H Classics
Apart from the historical context, the Jaguar MK IX is a beautiful vehicle. Finished in Warwick Grey over red leather upholstery and walnut trim. It looks exquisite inside and out, likely in part because it has a mere 31,000 miles on the odometer.
What’s more, it was advertised as running and driving well, thanks to recent mechanical work done to maintain the Jag. We’re sure whoever has it at the moment is enjoying the machine.
They really don’t make Jaguars like this anymore, unfortunately. While the brand has lost its way in recent years, back in 1960 it was riding high. This car has aged wonderfully, proving that good design is in fact timeless.
See the lot listing here.
Images H&H Classics