Peter Sellers’ Lotus Elan Up For Auction

 Want to own a classic car that once belonged to a British comedy legend? You can get your chance this weekend when Peter Sellers’ Lotus Elan S2 goes under the hammer at the Classic Motor Show (November 13-15).

Experts have valued the white sports car at £45,000. It was among The Goon Show comedian’s favourites after he bought it from new at the height of his movie and television career.

Silverstone Auctions’ operations manager Harry Whale calls the model “unique”, giving buyers an “unrepeatable opportunity”.

Sellers’ Lotus factfile

• It only has 65,611 miles on the clock in its near-50-year existence and has had just 4 owners
• It has been magnificently maintained and looks almost as-new, like when Sellers first set eyes on it
• It does require some restoration, but its condition is still described as good
• It will be put through an MoT test prior to the sale
• It was also driven by Britt Ekland, Sellers’ Swedish actress wife
• It has been in a private collection alongside other classic car treasures for over 10 years

The Classic Motor Show: our top picks 

• Motor Sport magazine’s Graham Hill tribute: The two-time F1 world champion is honoured with a special new display.
• Classic cars: Automobile exotica doesn’t come much more exotic than the Porsches and Maseratis on show here. Oh, and did we mention the Alfa Romeo Spider or Ferrari 250 GT SWB?
• Live Wheeler Dealers: This old Discovery Channel favourite returns with Edd China and Mike Brewer hosting top tips, special guests, giveaways and game shows.
• Restoration Theatre: Another popular show fixture gives attendees the low-down on how to restore their own classic motor
• Classic bikes: Some of the most spectacular motorbikes from across the ages.
• Best of the rest: Meguiar’s Club Showcase, autojumble, trade stands, amazing cars for sale to suit every budget, plus your chance to experience first-hand a chauffeur-driven ride in a supercar, Bentley, classic camper or vintage Ford.

Tickets cost £20 for the weekend and £26.50 on Friday (children £12/£11 and families £47) in advance.

Sellers factfile

• 1925: Born in Portsmouth
• 1951: Becomes one of the original founders of ground-breaking BBC radio comedy The Goon Show, starring as Major Bloodnok and Henry Crun
• 1963: Starts playing the bumbling detective Jacques Clouseau in The Pink Panther film franchise
• 1964: Marries Britt Ekland – only 10 days after meeting her
• 1979: Being There, one of his final, most famous films, is released. He stars as a child-like gardener whose bewildered silence is misconstrued by the rich and powerful as genius
• 1980: Dies in London after a heart attack, aged 54