One of the most iconic cars in cinematic history, the “Shaguar” from the Austin Powers trilogy, is set to make headlines once again as it heads to auction on January 18th, 2024, in Kissimmee, Florida. This 1967 Jaguar E-Type, emblazoned with a full-body Union Jack paint job, starred in all three films of the beloved comedy series and has become a cultural icon synonymous with swinging ’60s style and humor.
A Parody Star with Serious Pedigree
The Austin Powers trilogy, created by and starring Mike Myers, parodied classic spy films like the James Bond franchise, combining absurd humor, colorful characters, and groovy 1960s aesthetics. The Shaguar served as Austin Powers’ flamboyant answer to Bond’s Aston Martin DB5, perfectly encapsulating the over-the-top charm of the series.
The Shaguar is a 1967 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster, one of the last models produced without glass headlight covers. Under the hood, it’s powered by a 4.2-liter Jaguar XK straight-six engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, delivering a blend of vintage style and performance.
The Austin Powers Legacy
The trilogy debuted with Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery in 1997, introducing viewers to the cryogenically frozen 1960s spy Austin Powers, who is revived in the 1990s to thwart his nemesis, Dr. Evil. Each subsequent film, The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) and Goldmember (2002), pushed the boundaries of absurdity while featuring memorable characters like Mini-Me, Fat Bastard, and Goldmember himself.
Throughout the series, the Shaguar became a recurring symbol of Austin’s flamboyant personality. Its Union Jack design underscored the films’ nostalgic nods to British pop culture, while its sleek Jaguar design kept it firmly planted in the realm of classic automotive elegance.
From Film Set to Collector’s Treasure
The Shaguar was the only car of its kind created for the trilogy, making its cinematic and automotive significance truly unique. Following the completion of filming for Goldmember, the car was restored by Jaguar in the mid-2000s and has since been a prized possession in a private collection.
Over the years, the Shaguar has been loaned to Jaguar for special events, where it continued to draw attention from fans and car enthusiasts alike. It retains its signature wood-rimmed steering wheel, wooden gear knob, and blue interior, perfectly complementing its iconic exterior.
A Rare Opportunity
Now, for the first time in almost 15 years, the Shaguar is being publicly offered for sale through Mecum Auctions. The event presents a rare opportunity for collectors and fans to own a tangible piece of cinematic history. With its storied past and undeniable star power, the Shaguar is expected to be a major highlight of the Kissimmee auction.
The Cultural Impact Lives On
The Austin Powers films remain a beloved touchstone of 1990s and early 2000s pop culture. It is celebrated for their outrageous humor and campy charm. Rumors of a potential fourth installment continue to swirl, with creator Mike Myers hinting at the possibility in recent interviews.
For now, the Shaguar stands as a gleaming reminder of the series’ enduring appeal. As it prepares to roll across the auction block, this automotive icon is set to capture the hearts of a new generation of fans and collectors alike.
Interested bidders can find more information and register for the auction at Mecum’s official website.
