A unique electric vehicle with a distinguished royal background – a Jaguar I-Pace acquired by His Majesty King Charles in 2018 for his personal use – is set to be auctioned in the UK at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, March 2nd, courtesy of Historics Auctioneers.
Not only did this mark the first ownership of an electric car within the royal family, but the responsibility fell on the then Prince of Wales, a renowned environmental advocate and conservation supporter, to lead the charge. The top-of-the-line I-Pace EV400 HSE, a luxury five-seater with all-wheel drive, was purchased for approximately £60,000, and it was delivered in September 2018 after a fast charger was installed at Clarence House, the official London residence.
Upon personal request, the high-spec vehicle was uniquely coated in 'Loire Blue,' making it the sole I-Pace adorned in this distinctive colour. The interior featured a lavish contrast of Light Oyster Windsor leather, providing a fittingly opulent touch. Driven personally by the Prince of Wales, often accompanied by Queen Camilla and other royal family members during his ownership, the car was returned to Jaguar in December 2020 after covering around 3,000 miles. Subsequently, it was offered for sale through the authorized dealer, Jaguar North Oxford.
Karen French of Bampton, Oxfordshire, the current owner, stumbled upon this remarkable piece of history serendipitously, expressing her excitement: “This I-Pace was exactly what I was looking for and pretty much on my doorstep. It was only when I agreed to buy it that I discovered its extraordinary history - I was absolutely thrilled. Having driven it over 30,000 miles,” she added, ”I decided in the New Year that it was time for a change.”
Highlighting the enduring collector's value of the car, Historics’ Head of Auctions, Mathew Priddy, commented: “We are thrilled to bring this royal icon to auction. It's an unrepeatable piece of electric motoring history. With the Jaguar I-Pace being discontinued ahead of Jaguar’s re-launch in 2025, this will remain surely the most significant example, which will be reflected in its increasing value.”
Despite covering 35,000 miles, the King’s electric Jaguar remains in exemplary condition. Estimated to be worth £55,000-£70,000, it will be available for sale at Historics’ public auction featuring 180 fine classic and collector cars at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, March 2nd, starting at 9:30 am.