AN absolute motoring icon will be going under the hammer later this week, as part of a Dorset auction house's first classic car auction since lockdown began.

With an estimated price tag of up to £75,000 the red 1962 E-Type Jaguar is certain to turn a few heads.

Famously described by Enzo Ferrari as "the most beautiful car ever made" this Series 1 coupe, with its 3.8 litre engine will be star of the show at the Charterhouse auction set for Thursday.

Auctioneer Richard Bromell, from Charterhouse's Long Street salesroom, in Sherborne, said: "This will be our first classic car auction since the lockdown where buyers will be able to not only view all the vehicles, but also attend the auction subject to any restrictions.

“With a great line up and the sale being held at the prestigious Haynes International Motor Museum it looks to be a great auction.”

The E-Type on sale is an early car, from just the second year of production.

However, it is just one of the historic vehicles set for the sale.

Others include a Porsche 911 Sport Targa, finished in Grand Prix white with a blue leather interior.

This powerful sports car, with an estimate of £38,000 to £42,000, comes from a deceased estate.

For just £2,000 less, petrolheads can get their hands on a 2003 Noble M12 GTO 3R.

With just two owners and under 20,000 miles on the clock, this supercar can blast from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 185mph.

A Charterhouse spokesman said: "At the other end of the spectrum are a group of cars looking to be re-commissioned or restored.

"Here, there is a 1960 MG A 1600 Roadster being sold without reserve and estimated at £8,000-12,000.

"From long term family ownership this Dorset car has previously been restored but the engine is now partially dismantled.

"Also from a deceased estate, this time in Somerset and also being sold without reserve, are a brace of 1950’s black Citroen Traction Avant’s.

"Both were imported from France some 30 years ago and shared the same garage for all this time."

Viewing for the auction, at Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford, is on Wednesday, July and on the auction day, Thursday, with the first lot being sold at 12noon.

All lots can also be seen on www.charterhouse –auction.com where live internet bidding is also available.