‘Go West Young Man’ was the first episode of Only Fools and Horses to feature one of Del Boy’s most famous catchphrases: “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires.” This Jaguar E-Type won’t fetch a seven-figure sum at auction, but for fans of the BBC sitcom, it could be lovely jubbly.
According to Wikipedia, this was the lowest rated episode of the second series, although a lot of today’s TV shows would be delighted to attract ‘only’ 6.1 million viewers. Car enthusiasts will remember it for the appearance of Boycie’s E-Type and a Ford Cortina Mk2 Crayford Convertible with no brakes, which Del and Rodney sold to an unsuspecting Australian man for £199.
The E-Type – a Series 3 V12 Roadster – appears a few times during the episode. This footage shows Del Boy giving the car a quick spit and polish in his lock-up, before Rodney arrives in the Cortina. “What’s the matter, the brakes a bit spongy?” asks Del Boy. “Brakes? What bloody brakes? It’s a death-trap, Del; I nearly killed myself,” says Rodney.
“What do you expect for £25?” is Del’s response. Imagine finding a ‘roadworthy’ Cortina Mk2 Crayford Convertible for this amount of ‘bees and honey’ in 2022.
Later, Del and Rodney borrow the E-Type for a trip to London’s West End, where, perhaps predictably, it’s driven into by the Cortina. Fortunately for anyone interested in placing a bid, the collision was staged; no Jaguars were harmed in the making of the episode.
Boycie’s Jaguar is expected to fetch a little more than 25 quid when it goes under the hammer at the end of the month. The pre-auction estimate of £100,000 to £120,000 wouldn’t even cover the cost of a two-bedroom flat in Peckham. Still, he who dares wins, or something.
You’ll need to make a couple of changes to the car for the authentic Only Fools and Horses look. The whitewall tyres, which seemed appropriate for Boycie (played by the late John Challis), have gone, along with the yellow rear number plate. Sort these and the Jag will look cushty.
Maybe the wheels and tyres were nicked. In one of the character’s best lines, Boycie said: “I’ve left my Mercedes parked downstairs and you know what they’re like on this estate. They’d have the wheels off a Jumbo if it flew too low.”
The auction house says the V12 engine, automatic transmission, bodywork, paintwork and upholstery are “in good order” and calls it “one of the best-known E-Types of all”. The underside of the boot lid was signed by John Challis.
Hampson’s managing director, Zac Hamilton, told Classic Car Weekly: “We are proud to be selling such an important car. Seeing this E-Type makes people smile, which is so good nowadays.”
Boycie’s Jaguar will go under the hammer at Hampson’s Mavericks sale on 29 November 2022. Fancy placing a bid? You know it makes sense.
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