1966 Lotus Elan S3 Drophead Coupé
This Lotus Elan S3 (registration SJH 499D), finished in Jaguar Opalescent Blue, is the car driven by Diana Rigg in her role as Emma Peel during Series 5 and 6 of the British television series The Avengers, appearing across 19 episodes. At the conclusion of filming it was presented to Rigg by the production company ABC Television, subsequently passing through private hands before entering the Cars of the Stars Museum in Keswick and later the Dezer Collection in Miami. Returned to the UK in 2013, it underwent a comprehensive body-off restoration by Ken and Neil Myers, retaining its original chassis, body, engine, and black leather interior.
Ownership
- 2023-02-24Auction saleSold £146,000 (≈ $183K)
- → 2011Acquisition unknownCars of the Stars Museumpartial documentation
Peter Nelson's celebrity vehicle museum in Keswick held the car until the museum closed in 2011, at which point the collection was dispersed.
- 2011 → 2013Private saleDezer Collection / Miami Auto Museumpartial documentation
Florida-based collector Michael Dezer acquired this car along with the majority of the other Keswick museum vehicles; it was displayed at his Miami Auto Museum until sold to the UK vendor in 2013.
- 2013 →Private saleNorthamptonshire vendorfull documentation
Persuaded Michael Dezer to sell the car and repatriated it to the UK; commissioned a full body-off restoration and assembled an extensive collection of related memorabilia alongside the car.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownABC Televisionpartial documentation
The production company supplied the car for use during filming across two series of The Avengers before gifting it to the lead actress at the conclusion of Series 6.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownDiana Riggpartial documentation
Received the car as a gift from the production company; having only learned to drive for the role, she had limited personal use of it and passed it on to a friend shortly after receiving it.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownFriend of Diana Riggpartial documentation
Received the car directly from Diana Rigg; sold it a few years later to her sister, who was resident in the United States.
- Date unknownPrivate saleSister of Diana Rigg's friend, based in the United Statespartial documentation
Purchased the car from her sibling; the vehicle crossed the Atlantic for the first time as part of this transfer.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationKen and Neil Myers
Comprehensive body-off restoration carried out to a high standard; the car was repainted in the correct original shade of Jaguar Opalescent Blue. Original chassis, bodywork, engine, and black leather seating were retained throughout. A period Westminster radio transceiver was sourced and installed in the glovebox to replicate the car's on-screen appearance.
Restoration described as long-term and conducted to the workshop's customarily high standards; commissioned by the Northamptonshire vendor following acquisition in 2013.
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