An iconic car, once owned and driven through the streets of Manchester by footballing legend George Best, is to be sold at auction at Duxford next month.

The 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Coupe, owned by Best at the height of his Manchester United and celebrity stardom, carries an estimate of £40,000 to £60,000 and will go sale at H&H Classics on October 14.

Best, regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all-time, pressed the pedals on the car for three years in the early 70s, before selling it in 1974.

Capable of 150mph and 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds, the Jaguar E-Type V12 Coupe was once described by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car ever made” and as well as Best, its celebrity owners included Brigitte Bardot, Tony Curtis, and Steve McQueen.

H&H Classics Sales Director Damian Jones said: “Once in a while a car comes along that even I, surrounded as I am by the best classics in the world, makes me think of reaching for my chequebook.

“This is one of those cars. I have no doubt that that there will be thousands of people who will share that feeling with me. This car is a legend and was owned by a legend. It does not get much better than that.”

All bidding enquiries should be directed to Damian Jones, at H&H Classics, on 01925 210035, or damian.jones@handh.co.uk.