Nigel Havers sparks controversy after being forced to sell classic Jaguar E-Type over pothole issues

The Chariots of Fire actor is putting two of his cars at the upcoming Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show, with estimates showing the Roadster could sell for between £60,000 and £70,000, while the Mercedes could hit £15,000.

Both cars will be presented by Havers himself at the NEC in Birmingham over the weekend, with the actor having plenty of experience when it comes to auctions as the host of the BBC show The Bidding Room.

However, Havers, who played Lewis Archer in Coronation Street for 10 years, admitted that he was being forced to sell his vehicles because he feared the damage that would be caused if he were to take it out on the pothole-ridden roads.

He admitted that potholes in his local area of the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire were so bad that he no longer takes his 1970 Jaguar out.

The 72-year-old said: “I shall be sad to see it go, because it’s the most beautiful car I’ve ever known.

“I have to say, the state of the roads is not good. You have to be very smart not to hit a pothole, especially when you’ve got lorries bearing down from the other direction.”

​“Wiltshire’s particularly bad. They’ve got to do something about it,” he told The Telegraph.

Havers has long been a fan of classic cars, with his collection including an MGB, a 2010 Bentley Continental GT and his first car - a Ford Anglia.

Many on social media were sympathetic to the actor’s fears of bringing a beloved car through the streets and supported Havers for parting ways with his Jaguar and Mercedes.

One user said: “I think Nigel Havers should team up with Sir Rod Stewart they would get these potholes sorted.”

​Rod Stewart has previously filmed himself repairing potholes in his local area after noting how they could be damaging his vehicles, with Essex County Council confirming that it had finished repairing the road.

Another said: “Nigel Havers speaking sense about the potholes in the country. Instead of wasting billions of pounds on this Rwanda scheme, we should use the money to repair the roads.”

However, not everyone accepted Havers’ decision to sell his classic cars, with one X user saying: “I'll be keeping Nigel Havers firmly in my thoughts and prayers today. And if you have an ounce of compassion and humanity, you will too.

“You don't realise how bad some people have it until you hear of someone having to contemplate selling their classic car collection.”

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A fourth X user added: “Oh no, now we are going to be made to feel sorry for Nigel Havers having to sell his E-Type Jag for a fortune because of potholes."

The auction will take place at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show on Sunday, March 24, 2024.